MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. — Firefighters continue working to contain the Whiskey Fire in the Manzano Mountains, where crews are making progress on suppression efforts and contingency preparations.
The lightning-caused fire, first reported on Aug. 21, has grown to 351 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire is burning in steep terrain north of Osha Peak, south of Capilla Peak and west of the Manzano Crest Trail within the Manzano Mountain Wilderness.
A total of 132 personnel are assigned to the incident.
On the west side of the fire, crews continued clearing vegetation along the Comanche Trail to strengthen contingency lines and secure the trailhead. Firefighters are also improving access routes, including work on Trigo Spring Road, to help emergency vehicles and firefighting resources reach the area more effectively.
On the east side, crews are constructing contingency lines along ridges and natural barriers. In New Canyon, firefighters were able to engage the fire directly, building fireline and extinguishing hot spots where the fire crossed into the drainage.
An infrared-equipped fixed-wing aircraft recently conducted reconnaissance flights over the fire, helping crews map the perimeter and identify remaining heat sources.
On Sunday afternoon, a Type 1 helicopter arrived and began making water drops in support of firefighting operations. Officials say local fire and water agencies helped establish a portable helicopter water refill site near the fire.
Smoke may be visible from communities including Mountainair, Manzano, Torreon, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, Belen, Peralta, Rio Communities and Valencia.
Road, trail and area closures remain in effect around the Whiskey Fire, as well as the nearby Cerro and Blanco fires. Officials continue to ask the public to avoid closed areas and active firefighting operations.
