Subject: Current APO Fire Situation

From: elt@astro.Princeton.EDU

Submitted: Sat, 13 May 2000 18:37:45 -0400 (EDT)

Message number: 432 (previous: 431, next: 433 up: Index)

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
>

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