Track Fire Update
Receive Information from City Officials on current happenings regarding the Track Fire.
Photo by Marty Mayfield
PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE
Date: 06/26/11
The Track Fire on the New Mexico side is under control of a type 3 commander with approximately 80 personnel. Early next week the incident should transition to a type 4 fire with a further reduction in resources. The Colorado portion of the track Fire is under local Colorado command. Burning debris and smoke should be visible for several more weeks or until monsoon rains arrive. All smoke reports are being investigated to ensure that they are safely located on the fires interior and present no threats to surrounding areas.
Record to near record heats and extremely low humidity’s will continue through Monday. Critical Fire Weather conditions are expected for Sunday afternoon. Monday afternoon and night, a cold front is expected to move to the eastern plains and bring with it a chance for thunderstorms and light precipitation. Slightly lower temperatures and humidity’s rising to above 10 percent are expected. Drought and dangerous to extreme fire conditions are predicted throughout the upcoming week.
City Management personnel this past week continued to assess fire damage and flood potential scenarios with State and Federal regulatory partners. These assessments are a vital component of the rehabilitation and stabilization work required in the watershed and a key element to maximizing disaster assistance funds. Senior leaders from the City met with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Management to discuss potential funding sources for emergency stabilization efforts.
City Emergency Management personnel had three planning meetings and briefings during the week with key City Department managers, new Mexico DOT, BNSF, Raton Natural Gas representatives along with several private contractors that will be working in the watershed.
Fire Department personnel and Public Works employees completed the clearing of the Raton Creek drainage from the City limits to east of Martinez Street. This coming week debris rails will be installed to reduce the possibility of large debris entering the stone and concrete portion of the drainage. Assessments and prep work will be performed in the areas of Stevens and Collier. Concrete barriers will be placed in strategic areas in an attempt to reduce damage to property and residences in the event of a major debris flow.
Work has begun in the City watershed area surrounding Lake Maloya. Engineers have begun the layout and design analysis which will allow construction to begin on sediment ponds and erosion control devices in key areas in an attempt to lessen the impact of a debris and ash flow into the Lake. Over 6 miles of erosion control devices have been ordered, including wire backed sediment fence. Fire Department personnel have begun the falling of dangerous trees and contractors are constructing access toads to work areas. 1500 hundred feet of floating turbidity booms have been ordered as a last line of defense for the Lake. Fire Department personnel and divers will begin installation on Thursday.
Citizens are reminded that any rain event may now create flash floods, mud slides and debris flows down canyons and into populated areas. If you are located near streams or drainages listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees or boulders being moved by flowing mud and ash. Do not underestimate a small flow that may precede larger flows. Be alert in changes in flow patterns or a water change from clear to muddy. Be prepared to move quickly to a safe location. Do Not Delay.
If you require sandbags to protect your property please contact the Fire Department at 575-445-2708. Sandbags may be picked up at Fire Headquarters located at 127 Clark Ave. Sand will be available at the Fire Training Center located at 1400 Jones Ave.
If you have experienced historical flood issues in the past, please feel free to contact the Fire Department for consultation and advice.
Climax Canyon and the Old Pass Road area are closed to public access. The City ban on open burning will continue until further notice. Sugarite State Park and the watershed area remain closed.
In order to safeguard the Citizens of Raton the annual City Fireworks display has been cancelled.
The City will continue to provide information to our citizens as it becomes available. Please remember our community is currently in drought conditions along with critical fire danger levels. If you see smoke do not hesitate, report it immediately.
PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE
Date: 06/20/2011
The City of Raton has begun to transition from a response to an assessment and recovery operation dealing with the aftermath of the Track Fire. Governor Martinez on Friday, June 17th, signed a Disaster Declaration that will assist the City in acquiring State and Federal funds to begin the remediation process.
The City watershed has suffered severe fire damage to the canyons that feed Lake Maloya and Lake Dorothy. Currently personnel from the City and State are assessing the extent of damage and developing plans in an attempt to lessen the impact of ash and debris flows into Lake Maloya. Emergency work to the area is expected to begin early this week. Lake Dorothy is currently being drained and will be used as a sediment collection pond.
In addition officials will assess the impact of fire damage along the I-25 corridor and the Old Pass area and its effect in drainage areas leading into the City. Citizens should expect to see Raton Fire & Emergency Services personnel and Public works employees performing these assessments on the north end of Raton.
All citizens need to be aware that any rain event may now create flash floods, mud slides and debris flows down canyons and into populated areas. If you are located near streams or drainages listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees or boulders being moved by flowing mud and ash. Do not underestimate a small flow that may precede larger flows. Be alert in changes in flow patterns or a water change from clear to muddy. Be prepared to move quickly to a safe location. Do Not Delay.
The City will continue to provide information to our citizens as it becomes available. Please remember our community is currently in drought conditions along with critical fire danger levels. If you see smoke do not hesitate, report it immediately.
