Fire

Udall, Heinrich, Luján Announce FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant For Ute Park Fire

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CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration for the Ute Park Fire burning in Colfax County.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program allows for the “mitigation, management, and control” of fires burning on publicly or privately-owned forest or grasslands which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

“We all share a deep appreciation for Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Officials Inform Public To Vacate Due To Forest Closure

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News Alert:

SANTA FE – Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) officials are patrolling the forest to inform members of the public of the forest-wide closure that went into effect at 8 a.m. today. 

Forest officials implemented the forest-wide closure to prohibit public access to the 1.6 million-acre forest for public safety and forest health while in high to extreme fire danger.

“We’re trying to notify as many people as possible of the closure and the need to vacate,” Forest Supervisor James Melonas said. “Our campaign to notify the public through news media, social media, and our email subscribers Read More

LAFD Cautions Community To Be Ready For Potential Evacuation With Current Hot And Dry Conditions

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Los Alamos Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland, left, and Wildland Division Chief Kelly Sterna this morning reviewing details of the Ute Park Fire between Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
 
 
By MAIRE O’NEILL
Los Alamos Daily Post
maire@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland and Wildland Division Chief Kelly Sterna said this morning that it is time for community members to think about having a go-bag ready and follow the “Ready Set Go” recommendations on how to be prepared for evacuation if necessary.

“It’s time to be real. We’ve Read More

Los Alamos County Enters Stage III Fire Restrictions 8 a.m. Friday

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LAFD News:

The Los Alamos County Fire Department will issue Stage III Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, June 1, which will prohibit access to unpaved trail systems within the County.

Fire danger within the County remains very high to extreme due to drought conditions. Stage III Restrictions will remain in effect until significant moisture and conditions have improved.

The decision to move forward with Stage III Fire Restrictions has been coordinated with local agencies including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Santa Fe National Forest, Bandelier National Read More

Ute Park Fire Breaks Out Between Eagle Nest And Cimarron In Colfax County

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New Mexico has a new fire that was reported just after 2 p.m. today and had grown to approximately 150 acres by 5 p.m. The Ute Park Fire is located off Highway 64 between Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron in Colfax County. A large plume of smoke can be seen from surrounding communities including Raton as in this photo taken at 7 p.m. today. The cause of the fire is under investigation and multiple resources are working on it from the ground and air, according to New Mexico State Forestry officials. Photo by Mike O’Neill Read More

County Discusses Emergency Operations Plan

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County Emergency Manager Beverley Simpson and Fire Chief Troy Hughes discuss the County’s emergency operations plan. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
 
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
 
Los Alamos County is far from immune to wildfires and while some residents can recall their experiences evacuating during the Cerro Grande and Las Conchas fires, others are new to town and may be unsure of what to do if an emergency occurs.
 
As a result, Los Alamos County Councilor Susan O’Leary asked the County’s Emergency Management Office to inform
Read More

Bandelier, Valles Calderas And Pecos National Parks To Increase Fire Restrictions

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NMFI News:

LOS ALAMOS – Due to the continued high risk of wildfire in the region, Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve will implement public closures to all backcountry areas of the parks at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 1, pursuant to Stage III fire restrictions.

However, main public areas of each national park unit will remain open. These restrictions are being put in place to help the National Park Service provide for public safety and reduce fire risk.

Bandelier National Monument will close all wilderness and backcountry areas. Areas Read More

SFNF Implements Forest-wide Closure Order Friday

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement a forest-wide closure order at 8 a.m. Friday, June 1, prohibiting public access to the 1.6 million-acre forest. 

Fire danger on the SFNF remains very high to extreme due to acute drought conditions. The closure order will remain in effect until the forest receives significant moisture and conditions have improved.

The closure order prohibits all recreational activities on the SFNF. Campgrounds, trails and trailheads, and National Forest System roads will be closed to the general public. The only exception is the Read More

Los Alamos Under Red Flag Warning Until 8 p.m.

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NWS News:
 
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reports that Los Alamos in under a red flag warning until 8 p.m. today.
 
A red flag warning is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to inform area firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread. 
 
The NWS also reports that Los Alamos will enter under a fire weather watch 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.
Read More

Investigation Finds Chrobocinski In Violation Of Three Sections Of Code Of Conduct

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Former County Councilor James Chrobocinski
 
By MAIRE O’NEILL
Los Alamos Daily Post

The results of an investigation into a Code of Conduct complaint filed in February by two Los Alamos County employees have been issued to County officials.

The 74-page report, prepared by Albuquerque attorney Debra J. Moulton under contract to the County, was in response to a complaint filed Feb. 15 by Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland and Chief Building Official Michael Arellano against former County Councilor James Chrobocinski.

The report states the investigation finds Chrobocinski

Read More