Smoke visible from NM fire

VALLEY — Smoke from a New Mexico wildfire is visible in the San Luis Valley.

The Bonita Canyon fire in the Carson National Forest near El Rito, New Mexico, has been burning since June 3 and currently has consumed 1,800 acres in northern New Mexico.

The lightning-ignited fire was only 15 percent by Thursday. Hand and aerial ignitions continue to secure the fire line, weather permitting.    

A significant amount of smoke was expected to settle in Vallecitos Canyon and nearby communities Thursday night. Smoke was expected to dissipate during daylight hours.

Conditions are expected to improve significantly in the near future.

A closure order for those lands located within the boundaries of the Bonita Fire Area remains in effect until further notice.  

The Continental Divide Trail is not within the closure area. Hikers, bicyclists and recreationists are advised that smoke may impact the area and create breathing difficulties. See https://nmtracking.org/fire

For information regarding the forest closure contact the El Rito Ranger District at (575) 581-4554.
For fire information, please call the Bonita Fire Information Line at (575) 758-6345 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit Inciweb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5235/, Carson National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF or Twitter @CarsonNF.