Lt. Governor visits Otero Fire in Socorro

Lt. Governor Howie Morales, who is acting governor while Michelle Lujan Grisham is in Asia, visited the Otero Fire on Monday, April 28, in Socorro.

New Mexico State Police Lt. Daniel Evans, Socorro Police Chief Angel Garcia, and Socorro Fire Chief Lawrence Baca escorted Morales to the east side of the Rio Grande near where the fire started Sunday at approximately 5 p.m.

“Right now, it’s a very vulnerable time. The ecosystem is so fragile, especially along the river,” Morales said. “A big reason for [my] being here today is to get an update, but also to raise awareness across the whole state that fire season is upon us.”

Morales met with fire personnel for an update on the wildfire, which was at zero percent containment and had burned approximately 364 acres by Monday morning, according to New Mexico State Forestry Division spokesperson George Ducker. No structures had burned.

On Monday two dozers were onsite cutting firelines, as well as a helicopter dropping water and 15 firefighters on the ground. Morales asked BLM wildland firefighter Quentin Henderson if they needed to increase those numbers. Henderson said today they were doing good with the crew they had, but that conditions could change later in the day during peak burn time when the winds pick up. On Sunday 40mph winds were a factor in the fire’s fast spread.

“So right now, what we’re doing is just watching it and seeing where we could go direct on it. The best attack possible,” Henderson said.

Thick plumes of smoke and some flames were visible in the distance as groups of high fuel trees ignited, sending up pillars of black smoke.

“Another area of concern that was brought up was the helicopters that are flying and dropping water, is the use of personal drones that may be used,” the Lt. Governor said. “When that happens, those helicopters have to be immediately grounded and the services that are being provided stop. So we urge people to not use drones around the fire sites.”

The Otero Fire was first reported on April 27 at approximately 5 p.m. on the eastern side of Socorro, adjacent to the banks of the Rio Grande. Thick plumes of smoke and flames were visible, capturing the attention of residents throughout the area.

“I’ll tell you, standing there in the field (Sunday) night at Otero and Chaparral, I saw flames shooting up twice as tall as the far trees, and of course the sparks went much higher,” Christine Smith, Socorro resident said.

County Manager Andy Lotrich confirmed on Monday, April 28 that hot spots were being monitored carefully.

New Mexico State Forestry Division spokesperson George Ducker confirmed on Monday morning that air operations flew over and reported 364 acres were burned, with zero percent containment. On Wednesday morning the fire was reported to be 494 acres and 40% contained.

Lotrich and Ducker both confirmed that the fire is under investigation.

“Most of the fire activity was found on the southern portion of the fire, and today crews will continue focusing efforts on extinguishing interior heat and strengthening containment lines all around the fire’s footprint. Winds today could potentially produce some ash around the fire area,” Ducker said, “The public is encouraged to continue avoiding the area while response crews perform their duties.”