Destructive Trigo Fire traced to human source

MANZANO, N. M. (KRQE) - Investigators now say they're sure that the Trigo Fire has a human cause, but who and how remain mysteries tonight.

The 4,400-acre wildfire that's been burning for a week in the Manzano Mountains started in Trigo Canyon on the west side of the mountains.  It has since destroyed nine homes and some other buildings since spreading over the crest and down the eastern slopes.

Calmer winds helped firefighters make headway today.  It's now 36 percent contained.

Gov. Bill Richardson flew over the area this morning and promised help for fire victims.

KRQE | Web Producer:  Bill Diven

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Prevous coverage:  5:54 p.m. April 22, 2008

MANZANO, N. M. (KRQE) - Gov. Bill Richardson toured the Trigo Fire in the Manzano Mountains this morning to get a first hand look at the devastation.

He flew over the fire which began burning on the west side of the mountains a week ago but exploded Sunday as fierce winds drove it over the top and down the eastern slopes.  At last report 18 structures including nine cabins and mobile homes had been destroyed.

"I surveyed the whole fire, the entire mountain, and it seems to me things are under control," Richardson said.  "I'm confident today will be a good day.

"The winds are light, low humidity, low fuel activity."

Nearly 400 firefighters are doing their best to contain the fire now mapped at more than 4,100 acres.  Late this afternoon the fire was reported to be 27 percent contained.

Deanna Younger of the U. S. Forest Service told KRQE News 13 the battle is not an easy one.

"The terrain has just been horrific," she said.

Firefighters also reported cold, windy camping conditions near the fire lines and said they've returned to camps to discover bears have been rummaging through the trash.  However no human-bear confrontations have occurred.

Richardson said that despite the rough terrain he saw from the helicopter that with all of the manpower and air support the end of the fire is closer.

However he does not expect the fire to be the last.

"This is going to be a long fire season here in New Mexico," Richardson said.

The governor and firefighters are urging people to clear their properties of trash and brush, things that can easily catch on fire.

"So many people are building up next the forest these days and they have to have defensible space around their houses," Younger said.

And Richardson said that when evacuations are ordered even if they're voluntary people should get out.

"Know that the expertise is with these guys and when they say because of winds and other necessities that folks should consider evacuation people should evacuate, we should do that," Richardson said.  "Residents should be careful and concerned that we not get sloppy."

So far the Trigo fire has cost an estimated $2.3 million.  A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant was just approved that will match 75 percent of that.

KRQE | Reporter:  Tami Tremblay | Web Producer:  Bill Diven

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Previous coverage:  12:24 p.m. April 22, 2008

MANZANO , N.M. (KRQE) - Gov. Bill Richardson today took to the air to tour the Trigo fire burning in the Manzano Mountains.

The fire, which has burned more than 4,100 acres, has destroyed at least nine homes and about the same number of other structures.

Firefighters have the fire about 27 percent contained, and are aiming to have it one-third contained by the end of the day.

At a news conference, Richardson said people need to be more vigilant about keeping their properties clear of brush and trash so crews have room to attack fires.

The fire is expected to cost millions of dollars to fight, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to pay for three-quarters of the cost.

Earlier voluntary evacuations for the towns of Manzano and Torreón have been lifted, but fire officials are asking people to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

KRQE | Reporter: Tami Tremblay | Web Producer: Todd Dukart

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Previous coverage: 7:35 a.m., April 22, 2008

MANZANO , N.M. (KRQE) - Residents in the towns of Manzano and Torreón are being allowed back in their homes as crews work to contain the week-old Trigo fire.

Evacuation orders are still in effect for New Canyon, though. Also, crews continue to ask Manzano, Torreón and Tajique residents to be prepared in case they need to evacuate again.

The fire, estimated at more than 3,800 acres, was about 27 percent contained as of Monday evening.

It's burned nine homes, nine outbuildings and two recreational vehicles.

Winds on Monday were lighter than they were on Sunday, when the fire had more than doubled in size.

On Monday, airplanes were able to drop fire retardant to help firefighters in the morning, but winds and smoke prompted officials to ground the air support.

Gov. Bill Richardson is expected to survey the fire by air this morning.

KRQE | Reporter: David Romero | Web Producer: Todd Dukart