Fire

Lower Portion Of Pacheco Canyon Road Reopens Today

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Forest Road (FR) 102, also known as Pacheco Canyon Road, reopens today to motorized and foot traffic.

FR 102 has been closed since last August when lightning sparked the Medio Fire, which burned more than 4,000 acres in the Rio Nambe and Rio en Medio drainages on the Española Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF).

Although the lower portion of FR 102 is open to the junction of FR 412, the gates that allow access to the upper portion of FR 102 will stay locked until snow is no longer a hazard.

While FR 102 is open to traffic, a closure order implemented during the Medio Read More

Scenes Of Los Alamos Bomb Squad, Firefighters Responding To Report Of Suspicious Package On Trinity

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Members of the Los Alamos Bomb Squad and local firefighters respond this afternoon to the report of a suspicious package at a business on Trinity Drive. Bomb Squad Cmdr. Preston Ballew said the package turned out to be a legal size envelope addressed to the business that called it in. The envelope contained a powdery substance, which was deemed to be non-explosive. LAPD Bomb Squad technicians include Ballew, Cmdr. Oliver Morris, Sgt. Chris Ross, Cpl. Ben Hinrichs and Cpl. Sheldon Simpson. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Scene of Los Alamos Bomb Squad technicians and local firefighters Read More

Rio Fire Ignited Saturday In Abiquiu Is 50 Percent Contained

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EMNRD-FORESTRY DIVISION News:

The Rio Fire in the community of Abiquiu in Rio Arriba County sparked by ditch burning is now 50 percent contained. The fire was reported around 2 p.m. Saturday, and burned on both sides of the Rio Chama Bosque. 

Today resources from the Forestry Division and Rio Arriba County will continue to secure the perimeter of the fire and mop up hot spots.

No structures are threatened at this time and there are no evacuations.

Smoke may continue to be seen in the area. Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health Read More

LAFD Knocks Out Fire In Canyon Beyond Sioux Street

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Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) crews knocked out a fire burning this afternoon in the very bottom of the canyon behind Sioux Street. Deputy Chief Steve Dawald told the Los Alamos Daily Post that the fire grew to about half an acre and firefighters had it controlled within about 15 minutes. Battalion Chief Ben Stone told the Post that the fire is now completely out and Sioux Street is open to traffic. He added that investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire so the trail will be closed this evening. County Public Information Officer Julie Habiger said in a news release this afternoon
Read More

SFNF Reminder On Campfire Safety To Prevent Wildfires

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) reminds visitors about the importance of campfire safety and preventing human-caused wildland fires.

Abandoned campfires remain the leading cause of human-caused wildfires.

An ongoing drying trend across the SFNF has fire managers concerned about an early start to the 2021 fire season. The dry winter and spring conditions combined with strong winds have already brought wildfire season to many parts of New Mexico.  

With warmer temperatures and more people getting out to explore the Santa Fe National Forest, visitors are urged to Read More

SFNF Española District Pacheco Canyon Burn Underway

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The SFNF Pacheco Canyon prescribed burn underway on the Española Ranger District is visible this afternoon from Overlook Park in White Rock. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com 

SFNF News:

SANTA FE – Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are taking advantage of optimal conditions today to conduct the previously announced Pacheco Canyon prescribed burn on the Española Ranger District.

Smoke management is a key part of the planning and implementation of prescribed burns. The SFNF manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and Read More

SFNF Española District Postpones Pacheco Canyon Burn

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – After assessing conditions today, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) decided to postpone the previously announced Pacheco Canyon prescribed burn on the Española Ranger District for at least a day.

Ignitions, which are expected to take one day, could begin as early as tomorrow.

Fire managers will look at several factors, including snowpack on the north-facing slopes, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, wind direction and weather forecasts, before making the decision to proceed with the burn. 

The Pacheco Canyon prescribed burn unit is Read More

Valles Caldera National Preserve Plans Spring Prescribed Burns To Reduce Fuel Loads, Improve Forest Resilience

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Prescribed burns planned April 5 to May 31 in the southwest corner of the Valles Caldera to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat and create healthier forest and watershed ecosystems. Post file photo

NPS News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS — The National Park Service (NPS) plans prescribed burns in the southwest corner of Valles Caldera National Preserve this spring to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat and create healthier forest and watershed ecosystems.

Fire managers with Valles Caldera National Preserve will take advantage of expected favorable conditions to conduct two Read More

Los Alamos Public Safety Association Honors Two Local Doctors For Their Exemplary Dedication To Public Service

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LAPSA President Lennie Upshaw presents the 2020 Public Safety Dedication Award to Dr. Sara Pasqualoni during the annual LAPSA Awards Ceremony Thursday at the LAFD Training Center. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Oliver Morris presents the 2020 Public Safety and First Responder Award to Dr. Beth Lindquist during Thursday’s ceremony at the LAFD Training Center. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

The Los Alamos Public Safety Association (LAPSA) honored two local doctors for exemplary public service during a small but special ceremony Thursday Read More

BSM Hosts Scientist Alexandra Jonko On Fighting Threat Of Wildfires With Supercomputers 5:30-7 p.m. Today

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Researchers use supercomputers and lookout stations to model the dynamics of wildfires in real time. Courtesy/BSM

Atmospheric scientist Alexandra Jonko

 BSM News:

The Bradbury Science Museum (BSM) is hosting atmospheric scientist Alexandra Jonko for an online discussion 5:30-7 p.m. today, March 15.

Jonko will discuss how supercomputers and FIRETEC, an award-winning model, can help scientists understand the impact of wildfire.

FIRETEC also is increasingly being used to study prescribed fire, which is an important land management tool, and can be used to mitigate the risk of devastating Read More