The Guard began supporting the response Aug. 11, establishing two traffic control points in the vicinity of Cundiyó to help restrict access to the affected area and allow firefighters, law enforcement and residents to safely move through designated routes.
Source: New Mexico National Guard (via Facebook)
By Hank Minitrez, New Mexico National Guard Public Affairs Director
Photos: Courtesy
CUNDIYÓ, N.M. — The New Mexico National Guard is supporting state and local agencies responding to the Frijoles Fire, providing traffic control and aviation medical evacuation capabilities as firefighters continue battling the wildfire in northern New Mexico.
The Guard began supporting the response Aug. 11, establishing two traffic control points in the vicinity of Cundiyó to help restrict access to the affected area and allow firefighters, law enforcement and residents to safely move through designated routes.
“The New Mexico National Guard is always ready to answer the call when our communities need us,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of New Mexico. “Our Soldiers are working alongside our state, local and federal partners to support first responders, protect residents and help keep New Mexicans safe. We will remain ready to provide additional support as the response continues.”
Guard members are staffing the traffic control points around the clock in three shifts, with two personnel assigned to each location per shift.
One traffic control point is located at New Mexico State Road 503 and Juan Medina Road, where traffic traveling north is restricted to area residents, law enforcement and first responders.
A second is positioned at NM 503 and Forest Road 306, restricting southbound traffic to residents, law enforcement and first responders.
In addition to the ground mission, five Soldiers from G Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, are providing medical evacuation standby support.
The MEDEVAC crew and aircraft remain on alert at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Santa Fe prepared to respond if requested.
The Guard’s support comes as firefighters continue working to contain the lightning-caused Frijoles Fire, which began Aug. 4 in steep terrain in the Española Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest within the Pecos Wilderness.
The fire had grown to approximately 8,200 acres as of Thursday evening, according to Watch Duty, which tracks government wildfire data and emergency response information.
The New Mexico National Guard will continue supporting the Frijoles Fire response as requested by civil authorities while maintaining personnel and aviation capabilities ready to respond to emerging needs.
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