Fire

Prescribed Burning Act Passes New Mexico Senate

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Rep. Matthew McQueen

EMNRD News:

Santa Fe — Sunday, the Prescribed Burning Act, an Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) priority bill, passed the New Mexico Senate with a 37-1 vote.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Matthew McQueen and Gail Armstrong and Senators Peter Wirth and Pat Woods, focuses on managing our forests for a changing climate and aims to prevent future catastrophic fires. Having previously passed the House, the bill now goes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for signature.

“Passage of this bill highlights the importance of bringing everyone to the table to produce Read More

Change Your Clock, Check Your Alarms This Weekend

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LAFD News:

It is that time again. Change your clocks Saturday night, setting them forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time.

Remember to take a few extra minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan.

When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

Smoke Alarms Safety Tips

Smoke alarms, like other household appliances, Read More

SFNF Issues Reminder Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round: Don’t Depend On Luck – Be Aware and Prepared

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Courtesy/SNFNCourtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Santa Fe — March brings the first signs of spring to drought-stricken Northern New Mexico landscapes, including warmer temperatures, windy conditions and the potential onset of wildfires.

To prepare for the 2021 wildfire season, the Santa Fe National Forest is working with partners at other forests, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations on a year-round wildfire preparedness campaign.

With Saint Patrick’s Day approaching, our message is: don’t depend on luck – be aware and prepared.

In the last 15 years, wildfire has Read More

Los Alamos Fire Department Readies For Wildfire Season

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Los Alamos Fire Department prepares for what may be a very active wildfire season. Courtesy/LAFD

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

For many people, 2020 was the year they wanted to wash their hands of but for Los Alamos Wildland Division Chief Kelly Sterna, this year is the one he wants to conclude as painlessly as possible.

He explained the County is approaching its 21st-year anniversary of the Cerro Grande Fire and the 10-year anniversary of the Las Conchas Fire. Historically, Los Alamos has seen a 10-year pattern for significant wildland fire, Sterna said. Read More

SFNF May Implement Rowe Mesa Prescribed Burn Tuesday

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — If conditions remain favorable, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) may begin implementation of the previously announced East Rowe Mesa prescribed burn on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District as early as Tuesday, March 2.

The decision to proceed will depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and winds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fire managers consider smoke impacts to communities before making a final decision to implement a prescribed fire.

The plan for Read More

Bandelier And Valles Caldera Resume Pile Burns

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Park Service began pile burns Thursday in Bandelier and VCNP. Courtesy/NPS

NPS News:

The National Park Service began the process of prescribed fire in Bandelier National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve Thursday and will continue through the end of the week as conditions allow or until completion.

The prescribed burns will occur in previously thinned areas where materials have been piled. Burn operations are completed in phases over several days depending on weather and fuel conditions.  

The purpose of these burns is to reduce hazardous fuels and the chance for future high-intensity Read More

Heinrich Unveils Plan To Establish 21st Century Conservation Corps, Invest In Wildfire Resiliency

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the first AmeriCorps alum to serve in the Senate and a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has unveiled legislation to expand national service programs to help address the historic COVID-19 joblessness crisis by establishing a 21st Century Conservation Corps.

“As a former natural resources AmeriCorps Member who worked primarily in rural New Mexico, I know firsthand the value of conservation work in rural communities,” Heinrich said. “National service members make a major difference by Read More

Scenes From Rotary Club’s 12th Annual Crab Fest Dinner

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Rotarians Lesley Harelson, left, and Linda King package meals for pick-up and delivery at the Rotary Club 12th Annual Crab Fest Saturday night at Cottonwood on the Greens. Photo by Kateri Morris

From left, LAHS Rotary Interact volunteer Malia Hanawalt, Rotarian Melissa Metcalf and Cottonwood on the Greens co-owner Pawel Listwan. Photo by Kateri Morris

COMMUNITY News:

The Rotary Club of Los Alamos held its 12th Annual Crab Fest fundraiser Saturday night at Cottonwood on the Greens.

Rotary members and volunteers packaged 230 dinners sold and delivered 190 dinners, 40 of which were donated Read More

New Mexico Prescribed Burning Act Passes House

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EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst

EMNRD News:

Santa Fe —The Prescribed Burning Act, an Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) priority bill, passed the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously Thursday with a 64-0 vote.

The bill, sponsored by Representatives Matthew McQueen and Gail Armstrong, focuses on managing our forests for a changing climate and aims to prevent future catastrophic fires.

“Today’s bipartisan vote highlights the importance of providing the state with additional tools to prevent future wildfires from becoming more intense as New Read More