New Mexico's Los Alamos National Labs Closes Due to Las Conchas Wildfire

New Mexico's Los Alamos National Laboratory employees have an unexpected holiday today. However, Los Alamos National Labs are feeling threatened, not happy, about the closing of the labs. For the second time in 12 years, the once secret lab and surrounding community are threatened by wild fire.

In May of 2000, the Cerro Grande Wildfire in Northern New Mexico destroyed over 48,000 acres and destroyed 235 buildings and homes in the area. The area has been rebuilding since the catastrophe. Today, the new wildfire, Las Conchas Wildfire, is about 1 miles away from the Los Alamos National Labs and the Labs are may owe their safety due to the original fire. Forest and fuel that was consumed in the Cerro Grande Fire is not available for the new fire and may help to protect LANL.

Governor Susana Martinez toured the Los Alamos National Laboratories on June 26^th and has assured residents that the nuclear and other hazardous materials at the location are protected from the threat. Governor Martinez also activated the New Mexico National Guard to help with evacuation and relief efforts.

Overnight from June 26^th to June 27th, the fire grew from 6,000 acres to 45,000 and is 0% contained. Los Alamos residents are under voluntary evacuation while the communities of Las Conchas and Cochiti have been ordered to evacuate. Bandelier National Monument and nearby campgrounds have also been evacuated as the Las Conchas fire rages.

Air quality is poor in Northern New Mexico due to the smoke from the Las Conchas wildfire. Officials are asking those with health issues in Los Alamos and nearby areas to consider evacuating.

New Mexico is currently suffering one of the worst droughts in its history and many communities have banned public fireworks displays as well as halted all sales of fireworks and private displays. Low humidity, high winds and hot temperatures will make putting the Las Conchas Fire very difficult. The current conditions still put Los Alamos National Laboratories at risk.

Currently, power lines, gas lines and structures are at risk from the Las Conchas wildfire as is the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Over 30 structures have been burned as of June 27th.

UPDATE: June 27, 2011: As of 3:00 PM, the community of Los Alamos is under a mandatory evacuation. Sixty mile per hour winds are driving the fire and it is 0% contained.