Catron County Office of Emergency Management

12/04/2024

10/29/2024

FYI

07/09/2024

QUEMADO, NM, July 9, 2024 – The Lolo Fire transitioned to a type 3 incident management team on Monday and is estimated at 378 acres in the Quemado Ranger District. The fire is located between Escondido Mountain and the Continental Divide Trail, roughly 6 miles northeast of Quemado Lake.

“Currently, there are no area closures in place for the fire,” said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. “But for the safety of the public and crews, we would appreciate it if they would avoid the immediate area for firefighting efforts.”

The fire started in a remote location on a k**b at the top of Lolo Canyon so only helicopter operations were being carried out. Since the fire’s start date, it has moved north/northeast and crested over the rim and is backing down into accessible terrain to the east where fire crews are able to engage it. Crews have stopped forward progress along the southern perimeter and will continue to secure that edge. More favorable weather and fuels conditions are needed before fire crews can engage the northern perimeter The confine and contain strategy is still being applied using area roads and natural features to limit the fire’s spread.

A variety of tactics will be used to contain the fire. This may include using hand line to eliminate fuels along planned perimeters, protection of range infrastructure, hand ignitions, and other suppression tactics as changing conditions require to protect values at risk and bring low- to moderate-intensity fire out to control features and establish containment.

Smoke will be visible from Quemado, Quemado Lake Estates, and Pie Town, and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help.

07/09/2024

MIMBRES, NM, July 9, 2024 – The Ridge Fire is approximately 1,100 acres burning in the Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District. One to two-foot flames lengths were observed yesterday as the fire burns in an old fire scar, moving through grass, needle cast, and dead and downed logs. Crews began assessing private residences as they plan for potential structure protection yesterday. Gusty winds and lightning in today’s weather forecast may hinder crews who have been conducting prep work on trails and roads that will be used as holding features in future operations.
“Currently, there are no area closures, but we anticipate some areas being impacted when the Complex Incident Management Team assumes command in the coming days,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “As always, firefighter and public safety is our top priority, and we advise the public to avoid the fire area both on the ground and in the air.”
Catron County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for ordering evacuations, if they should become necessary. Catron County utilizes CodeRed for Reverse-911 alerts and notifications. Citizens may sign up to receive alerts on their landlines or you can add your cell phone to receive notifications as well. Visit the website and follow the on-screen instructions to sign up at https://www.catroncounty.us/government/county_sheriff_s_office/emergency_alerts.php (https://www.catroncounty.us/government/county_sheriff_s_office/emergency_alerts.php)
A variety of confine and contain tactics will be used to keep the fire south of Gilita Creek, west of the Middle Fork Gila River, north of Middle Fork Trail #151, and east of an unnamed ridge above (east of) Willow Creek Campground. This may include using hand tools to eliminate fuels along planned perimeters, hand ignitions, and other suppression tactics as changing conditions require to protect values at risk and bring low- to moderate-intensity fire out to control features and establish containment.
Smoke will be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, and Snow Lake, and is likely to settle into low lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those wh
o are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help.

Welcome to Catron County, NM

01/05/2022

11/29/2021

Catron County is hiring! Please see the link for open positions. Please feel free to share this post and spread the word!! Catron Sheriff

Welcome to Catron County, NM

07/23/2021

Catron County Commission had an Emergency Meeting and has signed an Emergency Resolution, declaring a disaster in Catron County for the flooding events throughout the County.

Emergency Management personnel will maintain situational awareness throughout the weekend due to more anticipated rains and flash floods.

To report flood damage within Catron County, please contact our office at 575-533-6498. If it is an emergency, please contact 9-1-1 or Sheriff Dispatch at 575-533-6222.