FIREFIGHTERS TAKING ON THE CHICOMA FIRE ON THE SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST HAVE TO DEAL WITH MORE THAN RUGGED TERRITORY AND WINDY CONDITIONS . ALL AIR SUPPORT FOR THE FIRE WAS GROUNDED EARLIER THIS WEEK AFTER A DRONE WAS SPOTTED OVER THE FIRE. POLICE WENT OUT LOOKING FOR THE DRONE’S OPERATOR BUT COULDN’T LOCATE THE PERSON, LEADING TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE FLEET OF AIR TANKERS .
OFFICIALS SAY THE INABILITY TO USE AIR SUPPORT RAISES THE RISK OF DAMAGE TO COMMUNITIES THAT COULD BE IMPACTED BY A LARGER FIRE.
THE CHICOMA FIRE HAS BURNED JUST OVER 40 ACRES AND IS NOW 80 PERCENT CONTAINED.
