Mark Klaene spent all of last night and this morning at the Observatory to monitor the situation (especially as the wind direction changed) and in case evacuation was necessary. His attached message to the APO staff was copied to me and will serve as a report of the situation as of about 1530 MDT today (May 13). It appears reasonable to think that we are now past the most dangerous period. Ed Turner +++++ > >The fire line on the western edge has held today, there is still a >lot of smoke being produced and burning at the ground level. Air >Tankers have been working all afternoon. The winds are still from >the E-SE but are much reduced in intensity (5-10 mph) > >I feel that if the fire line survived last night and this morning it >will survive this evening. Winds are expected light tonight although >still from the east. Showers are "possible" but I wouldn't count on >it. > >So I will be heading home soon. > >If the situation changes call me at home or cell phone. I will have >one with me all weekend but the mountains may block it at times. >Also you can have the sheriff's office (437-2210) CALL FOR SUNSPOT >1904 ON THE FIRE RADIO IN AN EMERGENCY > >I doubt seriously if we will observe tonight due to the smoke. It >will take a 180 deg change in wind direction and some time before >we will most likely be able to open up. > >The 3.5m and 2.5m pressurization fans are running and should continue >unless the fire approaches. > >The dorms /shop/trailers/and support bldg are readied for evacuation >(sorry for having to move a few things around) > >The vehicles are parked in a central location with the keys in the >van and Pu , just leave them there until Monday. The pickup had a >flat tire on my trip to the scott able fire base so it has NO spare. >If you drive it dodge the debris. Norm is taking the tire in to get >fixed (if possible) > >Mark Klaene Po Box 59 >Deputy Site Manager Sunspot NM 88349 >Apache Point Observatory (505) 437-6822 > >mark@apo.nmsu.edu www.apo.nmsu.edu > APO APO APO APO APO Apache Point Observatory 3.5m APO APO APO APO APO This is message 432 in the apo35-general archive. You can find APO the archive on http://www.astro.princeton.edu/APO/apo35-general/INDEX.html APO To join/leave the list, send mail to apo35-request@astro.princeton.edu APO To post a message, mail it to apo35-general@astro.princeton.edu APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO