By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
After six days of evacuation, residents of Sierra de los Pinos can finally sleep in their own beds again. Sandoval County and fire officials began a phased return to the community Tuesday morning, even as crews continue battling the 712-acre McCauley Springs Fire east of Battleship Rock.
The fire, burning since June 24 in the Jemez Ranger District, remains 43% contained with 384 personnel assigned. Fire managers say suppression efforts have held the blaze within its existing footprint, giving crews room to shift focus toward repair and recovery work, according to a Santa Fe National Forest incident update.
Returning residents must bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, water bill or tax assessment, the Sandoval County Office of Emergency Management said. Access is limited to the north entrance off Highway 4 and Forest Road 10, with a pilot car leading traffic through a single lane between mile markers 27 and 33. The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office will verify residency along the route.
Power and water service has been restored to the community. Officials warn drivers to stay alert, as firefighters, equipment and aircraft remain active in the area. Drones remain banned near the fire zone.
Stage II restrictions stay in effect across the Santa Fe National Forest, and statewide fire restrictions continue on non-federal, non-tribal and non-municipal lands.
Returning home:
- Access point: North entrance off Highway 4 at Forest Road 10
- Bring: Proof of residency
- Highway 4: Reduced to one lane, mile markers 27-33
- Full procedure: sandovalcountynm.gov
- Fire closure details: fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/alerts
- Smoke map: fire.airnow.gov