Governor Orders National Guard to Los Alamos

SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez has ordered the New Mexico National Guard to Los Alamos to provide support for the ongoing efforts to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure threatened by the Las Conchas fire now burning in the Santa Fe National Forest. Additionally, Governor Martinez has directed her Administration, including the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health to provide support for local emergency managers, firefighters, and other personnel in Sandoval County, Los Alamos County and at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Los Alamos

“My administration will make every effort to provide support for local emergency response crews,” said Governor Martinez. “With evacuations in place and the fire burning quickly, it is important that residents in the surrounding communities remain attentive to the local emergency operations’ alerts and orders. We are working closely with crews on the ground in order to protect lives and minimize damages.” Governor Martinez has requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issue a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Las Conchas Fire to provide further assistance. Voluntary evacuations are in place for residents of Los Alamos County, including White Rock and the City of Los Alamos. Residents living within Cochiti Mesa and Las Conchas have been evacuated as well. Campgrounds near the area including Jemez Falls Campground have been evacuated. A shelter for evacuees is available at the La Cueva Fire Station. NM 4 is closed at Mile Marker 37, State Road 4 at Pajarito, and West Jemez and Anchor Ranch Rd.
The Las Conchas fire started on private land at approximately 1 PM on Sunday, June 26 near the Jemez Ranger District in the Santa Fe National Forest and has burned over 3,500 acres with 0% containment Sunday evening. For more information on how to protect yourself from smoke visit: http://www.nmfireinfo.com/.