Monte Largo Wildfire

ALBUQUERQUE, NM., April 3, 2011 – The Monte Largo wildfire was reported on April 2, 2011 at 4:40 p.m.  The fire began on Albuquerque Open Space on the west side of the Sandia Mountains.  The wind driven fire crested the ridge at 6:30 p.m. and crossed onto U.S. Forest Service Lands.

As of 3:00 p.m. today the wildfire was 60% contained with approximately 30 acres burned.  As of 4:00 p.m. all fire lines that were put in are holding and most of the fire is extinguished.  Full containment of this fire is expected this evening (Approx:  8:00 p.m.) as long as the weather cooperates.  

The Zuni Hotshot Crew and two helicopters will be held over until tomorrow as a precautionary measure.  Again, area residents should be aware of heavy fire traffic in the area.

NOTE:  This will be the last update for the Monte Largo Wildfire unless the fire becomes active once again.

SAFETY/EDUCATION MESSAGE

Defensible Space - Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire towards the structure. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees and other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire’s intensity.