Santa Fe Events and Attractions Unaffected by Las Conchas Fire

I've been asked if people should visit Santa Fe. The answer is yes!

The Las Conchas fire burning in the Jemez Mountains west of Santa Fe is located on the west side of the Rio Grande, more than 20 miles from Santa Fe. Some smoke is in Santa Fe this morning but is forecast to be blown out later in the day as the wind picks up.

Local, state, and federal agencies are currently fighting the fire in an interagency effort that includes helicopters, Hotshot crews, hand crews, plus heavy equipment such as bulldozers and tankers. 1,000 fire fighters are scheduled to be on the fire line today.

According to Los Alamos fire chief Doug Parker, this is the most important fire being fought in the country.

Santa Fe remains unaffected by the fire, except for some smoke at times. No events have been canceled at this point and the calendar remains full of summer activities including the opening of The Santa Fe Opera season on July 1, a busy July Fourth Weekend, Pancakes on the Plaza on July 4, ART Santa Fe and the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market starting July 7, and all of the many things going on in Santa Fe this summer.

Santa Fe is assisting its New Mexico neighbors and has opened the Santa Fe Animal Shelter for animals in need of a home, dispatched fire crews to the incident, and provided a variety of services to the people of Los Alamos. Most Santa Fe hotels cut their summer rates, offering very affordable rooms to Los Alamos residents who have left the city.
For current information http://www.nmfireinfo.wordpress.com/

Arizona Wildfires Affect New Mexico Tourism

I find myself apologizing to fellow travel writers who are coming to New Mexico for the history, blue skies and brilliant white clouds. Oh no! The

Arizona wildfires are sending plumes of smoke in a northeast swirl, affecting the visibility and air quality of New Mexico... even as far afield as Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

In fact, flights into and out of ABQ were cancelled last night. The pilots just couldn't see for all the smoke and ash.

This is nothing compared to the trials and tribulations of those living in the AZ fire zone... yet it must be said. My eyes sting and I cough as I go through life here in Santa Fe. I truly apologize to those who are seeking our bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds.

Here's a photo of the sun this evening clouded by smoke.