NWS warns of critical fire weather, rapid spread risk in Bernalillo County
Red Flag Warnings covered Bernalillo County as winds topped 50 mph and humidity fell below 15 percent. Even a small spark from grilling or yard work could trigger fast fire spread.
Red Flag Warnings covered western, central and northeastern New Mexico from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT as dry, windy weather raised the risk of rapid fire spread across Bernalillo County and much of the state. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque forecast southwest gusts near 50 mph and relative humidity below 15 percent in some areas. So grilling, yard work and any towing or hauling that could scrape metal or throw heat into dry grass needed to wait, especially for anyone heading toward the East Mountains.
The warning also carried a lightning threat. Isolated dry thunderstorms and virga could produce dry lightning and abrupt, erratic outflow winds.
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue and the Bernalillo County Department of Emergency Management are closely monitoring conditions and urging residents to prepare early to protect homes and families if wildfire or another emergency occurs. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished, and any fire must be put out if winds exceed 15 mph. The county burn line is (505) 468-7200.
NM Fire Info logged two new wildfire starts south of Interstate 40 near Clines Corners in Torrance County on June 23, and the McCauley Springs Fire on the Jemez Ranger District was detected June 24 before growing to 327 acres by June 25 with 0% containment. Evacuations and closures were ordered near Battleship Rock, including Jemez Falls Campground and Battleship Campground.
Federal fire restrictions on Bureau of Land Management lands in Bernalillo County and several nearby counties were terminated June 25 at 8 a.m., but county rules can still apply. Residents should check local fire departments or governments for the latest fire restriction information before lighting anything outdoors.
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