News Release

Lightning-Caused Fire Starts in Valles Caldera Backcountry

Date: June 14, 2018
Contact: Kimberly DeVall, 505-412-0826

The San Antonio Fire began earlier this afternoon on Valles Caldera National Preserve. The lightning-caused fire has burned over 100 acres in the northwest corner of the preserve. Fire crews are working on the ground and in the air to suppress the fire burning in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir stands.

Resources on scene and en route include multiple engines, one hot shot crew, air tac, helicopter, and two air tankers. A Type 3 fire team has been ordered and will assume command Friday.

National Park Service officials are working with the neighboring Santa Fe National Forest to ensure all resources are available to support fire suppression efforts. “We are fortunate this area of the preserve and adjoining Santa Fe National Forest are under closure orders, which has minimized the threat to human life and safety,” said Park Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “We will continue working with our partners to control this fire as soon and as safely as possible.”