By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Residents in two Sandoval County mountain communities must leave their homes immediately as firefighters battle a growing wildland blaze near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Mountains.
Sandoval County Fire Rescue confirmed an evacuation GO order — meaning leave now — is in effect for Sierra Los Pinos and Vallecitos. The fire, known as the McCauley Springs Fire, has burned an estimated 15 to 30 acres, according to SCFR and the U.S. Forest Service. Crews from SCFR’s La Cueva District are managing the incident under unified command with the Santa Fe National Forest and additional assisting agencies.
The fire was first reported Wednesday morning in the McCauley Springs area, according to the Santa Fe National Forest. Smoke is visible from Albuquerque, Jemez Springs and surrounding communities. Jemez Falls Campground has been evacuated, Battleship Campground is closed and Trail #137 to Battleship Rock is also closed. Highway 4 is busy near the fire area — emergency crews ask drivers to avoid it and use alternate routes.
Evacuees who need shelter can go to the Jemez Baptist Church, off Highway 126. Owners of horses, larger animals and livestock can bring them to 372 State Road 4 in San Ysidro. The Jemez Senior Center, at 8154 Highway 4, is also open to displaced residents.
If you’re affected
- Evacuate now: Sierra Los Pinos and Vallecitos are under a GO order
- People shelter: Jemez Baptist Church, off Highway 126
- People shelter: Jemez Senior Center, 8154 Highway 4
- Large animals/livestock: 372 State Road 4, San Ysidro
- Avoid: Highway 4 near the fire area — use alternate routes
- Updates: Sandoval County Emergency Management