Fire

LANL: Study Finds Less Climate Impact From Wildfire Smoke

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Los Alamos research reveals that wildfire smoke plumes contribute less to warming temperatures than previously thought. Photo 70797968 © Tsphotog/Dreamstime.com

LANL News:

  • Observations suggest smaller warming effects of brown carbon than published model assessments

New research revealed that tiny, sunlight-absorbing particles in wildfire smoke may have less impact on climate than widely hypothesized because reactions as the plume mixes with clean air reduce its absorbing power and climate-warming effect.

In a unique megafire study, a Los Alamos National Laboratory-led research Read More

SFNF Reports Safe And Fire-Free Holiday Weekend

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No fire starts, reports of illegal fireworks or abandoned or illegal campfires on three of the five districts during the Fourth of July weekend on the Santa Fe National Forest. Photo by Michele Davis

SFNF News:

…Popular Forest Road 10 Reopens

SANTA FE – The Fourth of July weekend on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) was unexceptional in the best definition of the word:

  • No fire starts;
  • No reports of illegal fireworks; and
  • No abandoned or illegal campfires on three of the five districts.

Patrols did find 21 illegal and/or abandoned campfires on the Jemez Ranger District, and another three Read More

SFNF: Take Care Of Santa Fe National Forest This Fourth Of July Weekend No Fireworks, No Campfires, Leave No Trace

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is preparing for big crowds this Fourth of July holiday weekend as more and more people seek solace from COVID-19 in nature

All are welcome, but if you plan to spend the holiday camping, hiking or otherwise enjoying your public lands, please do so responsibly.

Although the monsoons are expected soon, New Mexico is still in fire season. Moderate to severe drought conditions with well-below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures translate to elevated fire risk across northern New Mexico, and fire managers do not expect that to Read More

SFNF Issues Closure Order For Winsor Ridge Fire

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has issued a closure order today for recreation sites, Forest Service roads and trails, and areas within the Pecos Wilderness impacted by the Winsor Ridge Fire, which began Friday.

The closure order protects  public health and safety during fire operations.

The closure order is in effect 6 a.m. today until the Incident Command Post for the Winsor Ridge Fire is demobilized or until it is rescinded earlier.

The order applies to the following areas:

Recreation sites:

  • Cowles Ponds Fishing Site
  • Cowles Parking Areas
  • Cowles Campground
  • Winsor
Read More

Friday Marked Nine Years Since Las Conchas Fire

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Scene of the Las Conches Fire June 26, 2011, which ultimately burned 156,593 acres. Courtesy/NWS

NWS News:

Friday marked the 9th anniversary of the Las Conches Fire, which began June 26, 2011 when a tree fell on a power line 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos.

The fire spread quickly, burning more than 40,000 acres its first day.

By the time it was contained at the end of the month, the fire burned 156,593 acres. At the time it was the largest wildfire in New Mexico history.

Las Conches Destruction:

  • Damaged or destroyed 80 homes as well as numerous outbuildings;
  • Completely destroyed 10 vehicles;
  • Forced
Read More

Los Alamos County Fire Marshal Wendy Servey Issues Reminder On Use Of Fireworks As 4th Of July Approaches

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Fire Marshal Wendy Servey

COUNTY News:

With the upcoming Independence Day holiday just a week away, Los Alamos County Fire Marshal Wendy Servey reminds the community about the urgent need to observe basic rules and safety guidelines when using fireworks in Los Alamos County.

“We have enjoyed some afternoon rain showers this week,” Servey said, “but our fire danger threat is still fluctuating between Moderate to High, and the surrounding forested areas are very dry. We’re urging the public to make this July 4th a safe and happy holiday. Don’t let your Independence Day activities turn tragic Read More

Los Alamos Historical Society Publishes New Book ‘Resilience And Renewal’ By Local Author Teralene Foxx

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By TERALENE FOXX
Los Alamos

Mid-June the book Resilience and Renewal was published and is now on the Historical Society Website.

The May anniversary date of the Cerro Grande Fire has passed. Twenty years ago the Cerro Grande fire changed the community, many lives, and the ecosystem.

The book, Resilience and Renewal is a continuation of a series previously written on the Cerro Grande Fire: Lest We Forget (2001) and Touched by Fire (2010).

The present book represents a perspective of people interviewed 20 years past the event.

The book includes interviews of people who had lost homes, those evacuated, Read More

Wildfires, Air Quality, COVID-19: How They Relate And What To Expect In 2020

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Firefighters and the U.S. Fire Service preemptively work to maintain forests and help prevent larger spreads of fires during the spring season. Courtesy/AFD

AFD News:

As we approach summer, most of the Western U.S. has faced a pretty dry winter and the country is preparing for yet another volatile fire season.

Even though COVID-19 has improved air quality, many parts of our infrastructure and economy have faced huge disruptions.

Wildfires could quickly change pollution levels and cause air quality to plummet, affecting those with predisposed conditions and creating challenges to our respiratory Read More