SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are planning to actively manage the lightning-caused Laguna Fire located in the Coyote Ranger District, 8 miles north of N.M. 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.

Eighty personnel are working on the Laguna Wildfire.

The wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, June 25, and is burning in an area that has undergone the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and previously thinned and treated with prescribed fire.

The objectives for the Laguna Wildfire prioritize the safety of firefighters and the public while protecting water quality in watersheds, water systems, and springs by minimizing fire intensity and uncharacteristic severe fire effects.

Fire managers will start firing operations as early as this week with the aim of restoring the ecological process of fire across approximately 13,000 acres of forest land.

To conduct a firing operation, firefighters cut away vegetation to make a line of bare soil ahead of a fire and then, using aerial and hand ignitions, burn the vegetation between that line and the actively burning fire front.

“We manage fire-adapted landscapes, and the Laguna Wildfire is an opportunity to create a resilient ecosystem that reduces the future risk of catastrophic severe wildfire to communities,” SFNF Deputy Forest Supervisor Anthony Madrid said.

Fire managers evaluate various strategies for managing wildfires caused by lightning. These strategies can range from full suppression to actively managing the wildfire to restore its natural role in the landscape. Decisions regarding wildfire management are influenced by several factors, including firefighter safety, availability of resources, terrain, weather forecast, previous prescribed burns, vegetation management projects in the area, and potential threats to public safety and property.

SFNF leadership is collaborating with local communities, Tribes, and federal, state, and local agencies to reduce wildfire risk for private landowners in the area. There are no risks to nearby communities at this time, and no evacuations will be necessary. A closure order for the area surrounding the Laguna Wildfire is expected to be issued for the safety of the public and firefighters.

When firing operations begin, smoke may be visible and impact communities on N.M. 96, including Gallina and Coyote, and the towns of Abiquiu, Llaves, and Cuba.

Motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution.

Check back at ladailypost.com for updates.