Las Conchas Fire Approaching Plutonium Dump Site
Posted by feww on June 29, 2011
Massive Los Alamos blaze has consumed at least 61,000 acres, threatening plutonium waste storage
The blaze may have already reached the grounds of the LANL complex, and could reach a toxic dump site where 30,000 drums (6.25 million liters) of plutonium-contaminated waste are stored.
“Carl Beard, director of operations for the lab, said there has been no release of radioactive or hazardous materials into the environment and there was no immediate threat to public safety, ‘even in these extreme conditions.'” Said a report.
“The concern is that these drums will get so hot that they’ll burst,” Joni Arends, executive director of the Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, told the AP news agency.
“That would put this toxic material into the plume,” she added.
Looking northwest from southern edge of municpal airport in Los Alamos. June 27, 2011. Photo by LANL phot-stream on Flickr
Volcanic-like plumes of smoke have blackened the sky over the Los Alamos forcing the evacuation of the entire city of about 12,000.
The communities of Cochiti Mesa, and Las Conchas have been evacuated.
On June 27, the fire breached the grounds of Los Alamos National Laboratory and a one-acre spot fire reportedly burned on the lab complex before firefighters extinguished it.
Las Conchas Fire Map
Las Conchas Fire map June 28, 2011. Click image to enlarge.
What People Have Said:
“I seriously believe it could go to 100,000 acres … We have fire all around the lab. It’s a road away.” Doug Tucker, Los Alamos fire chief said.
“We’re doing our best to keep it off the lab,” He added.
“We are throwing absolutely everything at this that we got,” Sen. Tom Udall of N.M. said.
Fire Summary:
- Name: Las Conchas Fire
- Date Started: 1 p.m., 6/26/2011
- Location: Approximately 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos off NM 4 at mile marker 35
- Fuels: Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa Pine. Fuel moisture is extremely low.
- Cause:
Unknown – under investigation[The fire was reportedly ignited by a fallen power line] - Size: 60,741 acres based on infrared data [as of latest available data posted on the Internet on June 28, 2011, 11:30 am local time]
- Percent Contained: 0%
Fire Update: [from InciWeb]
East – Crews are working to protect structures near Bandelier, as well as working to contain the fire along the Frijole Canyon.
West – Crews are building direct lines to prevent fire movement to the west.
Northeast – Crews are working to contain the fire using burnout methods to prevent the fire from spreading north of Pajarito Road and east of Highway 501.
South – North of Cochiti fire progression is being slowed by lighter fuel types. Firefighters are evaluating methods to stop the fire from spreading south.
Current Evacuations:
City of Los Alamos – The acting Los Alamos County Administrator issued an evacuation order for the city of Los Alamos. The Cities of Gold hotel in Pojoaque is offering shelter services for evacuating residents of Los Alamos. Los Alamos evacuees are advised against sheltering in White Rock, although White Rock is not at risk. White Rock is currently under a voluntary evacuation.The Cities of Gold hotel in Pojoaque offers shelter services for evacuating residents of the Los Alamos townsite. Cities of Gold also accepts pets. Many residents remain in White Rock following voluntary evacuations which began Sunday. Los Alamos townsite evacuees are advised against sheltering in White Rock, although White Rock is not at risk. The Cities of Gold hotel in Pojoaque offers shelter services for evacuating residents of the Los Alamos townsite. Cities of Gold also accepts pets. Many residents remain in White Rock following voluntary evacuations which began Sunday. Los Alamos townsite evacuees are advised against sheltering in White Rock, although White Rock is not at risk. The Cities of Gold hotel in Pojoaque offers shelter services for evacuating residents of the Los Alamos townsite. Cities of Gold also accepts pets. Many residents remain in White Rock following voluntary evacuations which began Sunday. Los Alamos townsite evacuees are advised against sheltering in White Rock, although White Rock is not at risk.
Pre-Evacuation Alert
If you live near the fire or near the Forest, you should always be ready for emergencies including evacuations, the three-step process is easy to remember and implement:
· Ready – Take personal responsibility and prepare before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Plan escapes routes. Make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.
· Set – Act immediately. Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Remember your six P’s: people, personal computers, pets, pills, papers and pictures. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media and your local fire department.
· Go – Leave early! Follow your personal action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.
Closures
NM 4 is closed at Jemez Falls Campground and at NM 501. NM 502 westbound into Los Alamos is now closed to all motorists. Access is controlled and limited to official traffic until further notification.NM 502 westbound into Los Alamos is now closed to all motorists. Access is controlled and limited to official traffic until further notification.NM 502 westbound into Los Alamos is now closed to all motorists. Access is controlled and limited to official traffic until further notification.
Bandelier National Monument: The Bandelier National Monument will be closed indefinitely.
Los Alamos National Labs: The Los Alamos National Laboratory will be closed due to the fire. All laboratory facilities will be closed for all activities, and nonessential employees are directed to remain off site. Employees that are considered nonessential should not report to work unless specifically directed by their line managers. Employees should check local news sources, the LANL Update Hotline (505) 667-6622 and the LANL web page http://www.lanl.gov for updates. All radioactive and hazardous material is appropriately accounted for and protected. LANL staff is coordinating the on-site response and supporting the county and federal fire response.
Safety Message
The wildfire and burnout operations will continue to produce heavy smoke. Residents with respiratory problems in the path of smoke may want to consider relocating temporarily until smoke dissipates. Motorists should exercise caution due to reduced visibility.
Related Sites
Fire Earth 
NS said
[Thanks! Moderator]
feww said
Crews at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have begun removing contaminated soil from nearby canyons out of a concern that flash flooding could wash “trace radiation” and toxins into the Rio Grande, major source of drinking water for many communities in New Mexico, including the capital Santa Fe, officials have said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/12/us-monsoons-wildfire-new-mexico-idUSTRE76A7DH20110712
Takahiro Senzaki said
None of us is safe from nuclear disasters.
feww said
That’s right. Nuclear industry is probably the worst man-made disaster.
see also: Probability of a Nuclear Disaster by Country
https://feww.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/japans-fukushima-nuke-plant-still-leaking/