Published Wednesday, May 17, 2023 – 2040 hours PDT | Updated 5/17/2023 2115 PDT

This is the daily Fire News Update for all active wildfires in the State of New Mexico (USA):

LAS TUSAS FIRE

Photo Courtesy | Inciweb

The Las Tusas Fire was deemed to have started on privates in the areas of Las Tusas, La Tewa, Sapello on May 10, 2023. It is located about 12 miles north of Las Vegas, New Mexico on the Santa Fe National Forest.

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

The current fire behavior is minimal with smoldering activities.

The size of the fire has been more accurately mapped out and is listed at 978 acres of timber, brush, and grass on State and private lands.

Firefighters have successfully reached 90% containment and will continue to focus on their objectives of reaching full containment and putting the fire out.

At this time, there are two hotshot crews, one Type 2 IA Handcrews, two dozers, six engines, and one Type 3 helicopter assigned to this incident.

Resources either assigned now or have been released include resources from Taos 432, UT641, CAFE641, Santos, 433, Carson IHC, AF E3570, FAP 641, FMN E31, ASST 661, RR E3 with Tankers 12, 162, 914, two LATS, and one VLAT (on 5/11/2023)

The current IC is Luke McLarty.

Evacuation orders issued for those on Hwy 94 from Canoncito to the intersection of Hwy 266 and 94 have been lifted. The Red Cross Evacuation Center located at Abe Montoya Rec area and Storrie Lake has been closed.

A report on May 12th was released on how the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Department during their assistance with the damage assessment found three structures lost, along with 10 outbuildings.

No injuries or deaths to civilians or Public Safety members were reported.

About $1.1 Million Dollars in fire suppression and containment effort expenses have been reached.

82 FIRE

The 82 Fire is the newest fire in the state, located approximately 14 miles east of Artesia and five miles northeast of Hope, New Medico.

Aircraft and ground fire personnel/resources reported include.  Chase 5463, 5471, E5463, UTL 827, E827, Chase 5661, T886, E5661, T897, AA616, Crew82, 5121, E5471, and E621.

The last report we received states the fire has clearly burned 500 acres. No word on the current containment status.

This is a developing story and another update will be released on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

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