Security tightened after intruders target Frijoles Fire base camp
Officials report no injuries and ‘good progress’ against New Mexico’s third-largest wildfire this year, now 45% contained after burning more than 15,000 acres
Digital Assignment Editor
Officials fighting the Frijoles Fire boosted security at the firefighters’ base camp on Saturday after members of the public attempted to infiltrate the site on Friday night.
“We had security overnight, and now we have 24-hour security,” DeLyn Sieliet of California Incident Management Team 8 told KOAT 7 on Saturday.
The intruders harassed incident management personnel with perceived threats before leaving the area, according to the Forest Service.
The camp gives exhausted firefighters a place to recover after their shifts, which can last up to 16 hours.
No injuries were reported, and around-the-clock security will remain until the camp is dismantled from fighting the fire, officials said.
FireNet meanwhile reported “good progress” with the lightning-caused Frijoles Fire on Sunday, saying it was at 45 percent containment.
“Crews will remain along the western edge extinguishing pockets of heat, while additional resources will be reassigned to other areas,” Official Fire Information said in a statement.
Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon, and the Borrego Mesa area—specifically near Forest Roads 440 and 306—are in “Set” status for evacuation, while Nambe Pueblo Lake remains in “Ready” status.
The Frijoles fire has burned over 15,000 acres and is the third largest wildfire in New Mexico this year.
