Sun Jun 26, 2011 at 09:36 PM PDT
Flash Forest Fire Threatens Nuclear Labby TheFatLadySingsFollow
...The Las Conchas Fire started at about 1 pm this afternoon near the Jemez Falls trail 12 miles to the southwest of Los Alamos. It has spread to more than 3500 acres in a few hours. The Laboratory has announced a mandatory closure of the facility tomorrow. According to the Los Alamos Monitor, measures have been taken to secure all nuclear material along with the supercomputing lab. Only essential employees will be allowed on premises, which means that my husband has a day off.
LANL emergency crews have been dispatched to key facilities to protect them. Los Alamos Monitor photos show a fire breaking on a ridge near TA-16 outside the back gate. Bandelier National Monument, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Jemez Falls Campground have been evacuated and NM 4 is closed at Jemez Falls.
This fire started today, June 26 at 1 p.m.. The fire is now 3500 + acres. The fire has spotted into Alamo Canyon and is burning towards Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier National Monument is now being evacuated and has been closed. Los Alamos has NOT been evacuated YET, but evacuations are possible for the area.
Location: Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest; approximately 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos off NM 4 at mile marker 35. The fire started on private land....
SNIP
...
Sun Jun 26, 2011 at 10:51 PM PT: Los Alamos Monitor is now reporting that the fire is less than a mile from the lab's southwestern boundaries. Governor Martinez has gone up there. The national guard has been called out and key facilities are being protected.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/06/27/982407/-Flash-Forest-Fire-Threatens-Nuclear-Lab?via=siderec