Fire

Scientists Nearing Forecasts of Long-Lived Wildfires

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Wildfires can be seen in much different detail, depending which satellite instrument is used to observe them. The image at left, produced from data generated by the MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite, uses 1-kilometer pixels to approximate a fire burning in Brazil from March 26 to 30, 2013. The image at right, produced with data from the new VIIRS instrument, shows the same fire in far greater detail with 375-meter pixels. Images by Wilfrid Schroeder/University of Maryland

AGU News:

Washington, D.C. — Scientists have developed a new computer modeling technique that offers the Read More

Living With Fire in NNM Workshop Nov. 16

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE–The Santa Fe National Forest is teaming up with a group of partners to host a free interactive workshop about living with fire in northern New Mexico 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov.16 in the Jemez Rooms of Santa Fe Community College.

Participants will learn about the ecology of forests and fire in northern New Mexico; current conditions in our forests and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities; as well as how land managers apply science to reduce fire risk and create more resilient forests. 

Community members and homeowners will gain valuable information on Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burns Next Week

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE—Starting Monday, Oct. 28, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest plan to conduct several prescribed fires across the forest to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce overcrowding of vegetation. 

Through hand ignition firefighters will burn slash piles and conduct broadcast burns (burning surface fuels in a mosaic pattern). The start dates and duration of the burns are subject to change depending on favorable burning conditions. Smoke could possibly settle into drainages and valley bottoms at night but should lift by mid-morning. Read More

Forest Prescribed Burns Announced

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U.S. Forest Service News:

SANTA FE—Fall provides good prescribed burning conditions—warm days, cool nights and good ventilation for smoke. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest plan to use this time to conduct several prescribed fires across the forest over the next few weeks to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce overcrowding of vegetation.
 
The start dates and duration of the burns are subject to change depending on favorable conditions. Through hand ignition firefighters will burn slash piles and conduct broadcast burns (burning surface fuels
Read More

Los Alamos Firefighters Rescue Unconcious Man

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Photo by Donnie Torres/LAGC

 

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post

Sunday marked the third time in the last two weeks that the Los Alamos Fire Department’s B Shift Technical Rescue Team (TRT) has rescued people and animals in life threatening situations.

Sunday’s incident involved a 62-year-old man who had been riding a motorcycle north of Guaje Pines Cemetery.

“A hiker called 9-1-1 at 2:15 p.m. after coming upon the man laying unconcious on the ground,” Acting Fire Chief Glenn Treyhern told the Los Alamos Daily Post this morning. “Not knowing what they Read More

Los Alamos Golf Course Serves as Extraction Site for Injured Biker

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A rescue helicopter landed at the Los Alamos Golf Course Sunday afternoon, as it was the closest extraction site for a man injured in a motorcycle accident north of Gauje Pines Cemetery. The helicopter landed on the driving range and remained for about an hour. Once Los Alamos Firefighters rescued the man, they transported him to the golf course and air lifted him to St. Vincent’s in Santa Fe. “This was the first time the golf course has been used as an extraction point in all the years that I’ve been here … we were glad to help,” golf pro Donnie
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Help Los Alamos Firefighters Fight for a Cure

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Local firefighters in ‘fighting for a cure’ t-shirts during last Sunday’s rescue operation in White Rock Canyon. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

LAFD News:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Los Alamos Firefighters are fighting for a cure.

This year, the International Association of Firefighters Local #3279, also known as the Los Alamos Firefighters’ Association, with the support of the Los Alamos County Fire Department will be selling breast cancer awareness t-shirts to donate to the New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque.

IAFF Local #3279 will Read More

Letter to the Editor: Los Alamos Firefighters Commended for Skill and Dedication

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By JoAnn Johnson
Los Alamos
 
I would like to express my appreciation and admiration of our Los Alamos Fire Department.
 
The fact that our firefighters were able to contain the recent fire at the North Mesa Stables to one barn and not allow it to spread throughout the entire stable area is incredible.
 
Coming soon after that fire, the firefighters’ rescue of the girl who fell into White Rock Canyon is another example of their skill and dedication. This community is very fortunate to have such exceptional firefighters protecting our families and our property.
 
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Breaking News: Los Alamos Firefighters Rescue Teen From 100-Foot Fall into White Rock Canyon

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High angle rescue experts from the Los Alamos Fire Department lift a 15-year-old Los Alamos girl up from a 100-foot fall into White Rock Canyon today. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Rescuers carry the girl to an awaiting ambulance. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post

A 15-year-old Los Alamos girl was airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital with unknown injuries today after falling 100 feet into White Rock Canyon.

Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes did confirm that the girl was able to communicate with her rescuers.

“She fell in a difficult Read More

Chimney Sweep Spotted in Eastern Area

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A chimney sweep was spotted on a rooftop in the Eastern Area Saturday clearing away a buildup of ash and soot. The chimney uses the pressure difference caused by a hot column of gas to create a draught and draw air over the hot coals or wood in the fire below, enabling continued combustion. During normal operation, a layer of creosote builds up on the inside of the chimney, restricting the flow. The creosote can also catch fire, setting the chimney and the home or building alight. The chimney must be swept to remove the soot to avoid potential disaster. Source: wikipedia. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com Read More