El Valle Fire Update

Carson National Forest fire crews and local fire departments this afternoon continued to take suppression actions on the El Valle Fire, near the community of El Valle, N.M. The fire is estimated to be 200-400 acres. More accurate acreage may be available in the morning after a planned infrared flight this evening or early morning. 

Accompanied by helicopters and air tankers, firefighters took direct actions to keep the fire from growing and to protect communities. Such actions will continue Saturday. One outbuilding has been damaged. 

The following evacuation statuses, based on the Ready, Set, Go! System, are in place, according to the Taos County Sheriff’s Department: 

• Go: El Valle and Las Trampas 
• Set: Chamisal, Llano San Juan, Ojitos, Ojo Sarco, Upper Ojitos 
• Ready: Rodarte, Santa Barbara, Hodges, Truchas 

Evacuation centers are located at Truchas Services Center (60 County Road 75, Truchas, N.M. 87578) and Peñasco Community Center (14136 NM-75 Peñasco, NM 87553).  

Closures include Highway 76 between Truchas and south of Chamisal and Santa Barbara Campground. 

The fire was first reported at 12:49 p.m. Its cause remains under investigation. 10 engines, one hotshot crew, three dozers and air resources are assigned. 

The public can check for fire updates on InciWeb, Carson National Forest social media (Facebook, X) and here New Mexico Fire Information.