Firefighters battle two lightning-sparked wildfires in Santa Fe National Forest
By Micheal Bolger
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RIO ARRIBA COUNTY, N.M. (KOAT) — Firefighters are working to contain two wildfires sparked by recent lightning strikes on the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest, where hot, dry weather is expected to make firefighting efforts more challenging.
The two fires, known as the Lodin Fire and the Spring Fire, are burning about a mile apart south of Forest Road 315.
Officials said the Lodin Fire has grown to about six acres and is showing active fire behavior, including flames reaching into tree canopies and small spot fires igniting nearby. A Type 1 helicopter has been requested to assist with suppression efforts.
The smaller Spring Fire was discovered during an aerial reconnaissance flight. Firefighters were able to establish containment lines around it Monday, Aug. 3, allowing crews to focus on the more active Lodin Fire.
Despite the active firefighting operations, no area closures have been issued.
However, visitors are being asked to avoid the area while crews work, especially as temperatures near 100 degrees and low humidity increase the potential for fire growth.
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