Fire

Meet & Greet Los Alamos Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg Jan. 7

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Los Alamos County Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg

COUNTY News:

The community is invited to attend a meet and greet with newly appointed Los Alamos County Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Ave.

The Los Alamos County Council unanimously affirmed the appointment of Litzenberg as the new fire chief during its regular session on Dec. 16, 2025, following a nationwide search that began in fall 2025. He brings more than 28 years of experience, technical expertise, and leadership to the position, including many years of service in the local region. Read More

SFNF Issues Pile Burn Update

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Ignitions on Tesuque piles in the Española Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Recent winter weather created favorable conditions to implement pile burns across the forest. Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, Read More

Public Safety Moment: Slow Down Especially In Ice & Snow!

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COUNTY News:

Despite Thursday morning’s weather and hazardous road conditions, Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) officers conducted 20 traffic stops and issued nearly 30 citations, most of them for speeding.

Several drivers were cited for traveling more than 26 miles per hour – or more – over the posted speed limit.

Excessive speeding on wet or icy roads is extremely dangerous. LAPD reminds all drivers to slow down and exercise caution during their commutes—no matter the weather or road conditions.

Also, when seeing emergency vehicle lights and hearing sirens, pull over!

Emergency crews Read More

Los Alamos Fire Department Advises Community Portable Propane Fire Pits Are Prohibited At Holiday Lights Parade

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LAFD News:

To keep the community safe, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) advises that portable propane fire pits at the Dec. 6 Holiday Lights Parade on Central Avenue are prohibited.

Large crowds, tight spaces, and the presence of parade vehicles and floats create conditions where open flames and fuel sources are hazardous.

This measure is supported by Chapter 22-31(a)(1) of the Los Alamos County Code, which adopts the International Fire Code and places certain restrictions on the use of liquid propane at special events.

“We’re excited to welcome the community to one of Los Alamos’ most Read More

Valles Caldera Winter Prescribed Burns Likely Tuesday

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VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The National Park Service is set to begin winter pile burning operations within the San Antonio Mountain project area of Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning on or shortly after Tuesday, Dec. 2.

If conditions are not favorable to begin burning in San Antonio, the team will switch to burning piles on either South Mountain or Cerro Piñon. The area around the burn activities will be closed to public access until operations are completed.

Fire updates will be posted on the Current Conditions page of the park’s website, the park’s Facebook page, and the New Mexico Read More

SFNF Pile Burns: Española, Jemez & Cuba Ranger Districts

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SFNF plans prescribed pile burns in the Española, Jemez, and Cuba Ranger Districts, as early as the week of Dec. 1. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is planning prescribed pile burns in the Española, Jemez, and Cuba Ranger Districts, as early as the week of Dec. 1.

SFNF estimates this work to continue through the winter as weather conditions allow. Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, Read More

Local Officials Express Gratitude For Community

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By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

A sense of gratitude comes to mind on this Thanksgiving Eve 2025. When local leaders model gratitude, it sets a positive tone for the entire community, encouraging others to act with appreciation.

Research shows that gratitude has measurable benefits for both mental and physical health, which benefits the community as a whole. Gratitude also fosters stronger relationships, encourages public involvement, and promotes a more positive and resilient community.

Because practicing and promoting gratitude can help community Read More

Farmington Field Office Plans Pile Burn Near Navajo Lake

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BLM News:

FARMINGTON — Beginning now through this winter, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office is planning to burn piles on a two-acre unit, weather permitting.

The unit is near Highway 511 between mile markers 17-20, approximately 5 miles north/northwest of Navajo Lake State Park. This project is being conducted in coordination with the New Mexico State Land Office.

The project will take approximately one day to complete. Smoke may be visible from Highway 511, County Road 4600, Highway 64, and Navajo Lake. Signs will be posted along roadways to inform travelers of Read More

County: Be Cool When Tossing Hot Ashes!

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From Los Alamos County:

Nothing says cozy like a crackling fire on a chilly night — until those fireplace ashes turn into an unexpected hazard. Before you toss them out, make sure they’ve cooled completely and are stored safely.

Let’s keep the warmth in our homes and the fires where they belong. Stay safe, Los Alamos!

Residents and businesses should ensure all hot ashes are fully extinguished before placing them in trash receptacles. This simple precaution will help protect both our community and our waste collection staff and equipment.

Smoldering trash can turn into a serious fire, or, if dumped Read More