Fire

SFNF: Aerial Ignitions Underway On Cuervito Fire

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) in command of the lightning-caused Cuervito Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has begun aerial ignitions in the fire’s interior.

The aerial ignitions are part of a management strategy to reintroduce low to moderate fire intensity into a primarily fire-adapted ecosystem and reduce the hazardous build-up of heavy and overgrown vegetation.

Location: 9 miles east of Pecos and 3 miles southwest of the Barillas Lookout on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District

Start Date:  May 9, 2021

Size:  Approximately 1,000 acres with the potential Read More

Crews Monitor Cuervito Fire, Continue Hand Ignitions

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – Crews are monitoring fire behavior and weather conditions on the Cuervito Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) as they continue to blackline the northern end of the fire and along Forest Road (FR) 200 on the east.

The SFNF is managing the lightning-caused Cuervito Fire to reintroduce low-intensity fire back into a primarily fire-adapted ecosystem and reduce the hazardous build-up of heavy and overgrown vegetation.

Location: 9 miles east of Pecos and 3 miles southwest of the Barillas Lookout on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District

Start Date: May 9, 2021

Size: Approximately Read More

SFNF: Cuervito Fire Behavior Remains Low To Moderate

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Type 3 Incident Management Team on the Cuervito Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will be conducting hand and aerial ignitions in the coming days.

This operation is part of a management strategy to use this lightning-caused wildfire to achieve significant benefits on the ground and reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire in the future.

Surrounding communities may see an increase in smoke as smoke settles into low areas at night and in the early mornings. 

Location: 9 miles east of Pecos and 3 miles southwest of the Barillas Lookout on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger Read More

SFNF Will Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Due To Extreme Drought And High Fire Danger May 24

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions forest-wide on Monday, May 24, to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire during extreme drought conditions, historically low fuel moisture levels and high fire danger.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are a proactive way to reduce the very real risk of human-caused wildfire, protect natural and cultural resources, and enhance public and firefighter safety.

The Lincoln and Gila National Forests implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions in April, and the Carson National Forest plans to implement Stage Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Managing Cuervito Fire To Reduce Fuels And Restore Forest Health

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are taking advantage of a lightning strike on Mother’s Day to achieve pre-determined resource objectives on about 1,500 acres on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District.

Managing the Cuervito Fire will achieve significant benefits on the ground, including safer communities and a healthier forest.

Location: 9 miles east of Pecos and 3 miles southwest of the Barillas Lookout

Start Date:  May 9, 2021

Size:  Approximately 10 acres with the potential for approximately 1,500 acres

Cause:  Lightning

Resources Assigned:  2 engines, Read More

SFNF: Here We Go Again – Too Many Abandoned Campfires!

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Patrols found 18 abandoned campfires over Mother’s Day weekend on the Jemez Ranger District. Courtesy image

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — On the brink of the 2021 wildfire season, with severe drought conditions and high fire danger across the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF), one abandoned campfire is one too many.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, fire prevention patrols on the Jemez Ranger District found 18 abandoned campfires. The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District was not far behind with an estimated 10 abandoned campfires reported over the last 10 days. Most of the abandoned campfires – still the leading Read More

SFNF Pecos/Vegas Continues Rowe Mesa Prescribed Burn

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are planning to continue implementation of the previously announced East Rowe Mesa prescribed burn located east of NM State Road 34 approximately 10 miles south of the village of Pecos.

Crews have treated approximately 1,830 acres on the 4,328-acre unit.

Hand and aerial ignitions on the remaining approximately 2,500 acres could begin as early as Monday, May 10.

The decision to proceed will depend on favorable conditions, including available resources, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, wind direction Read More

SFNF Asks Visitors To Think About Wildfire Conditions And Recreate Responsibly Over Mother’s Day weekend

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The forecast for Mother’s Day weekend – warmer temperatures and mostly clear skies – is likely to bring a large number of visitors to the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF).

If planning to camp or hike on the forest, please keep in mind that New Mexico is entering the 2021 wildfire season under severe drought conditions and with near-record fire indices.

“While most visitors to the forest do the right thing and recreate responsibly, careless campers and high fire danger are a bad combination,” Forest Supervisor Debbie Cress said. “With the hotter, drier conditions we are seeing Read More