Fire

Valles Caldera Plans 2023-24 Winter Prescribed Burns

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NPS News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS — The National Park Service plans to implement prescribed burn projects in Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning December 2023 through the end of the 2023-24 winter season as conditions allow.

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

Prescribed fire is part of a science-based framework for managing ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer forests in the park to reduce the risk of high-severity Read More

FEMA Claims Office: Simple Process To Request Extension

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FEMA News:

If you filed a Notice of Loss (NOL) but not all of your supporting documents are readily available, you may need to ask for an extension.

Claimants can submit a written deadline extension request before the due date explaining why they need more time, such as if they are unable to submit the supporting documents (i.e., an NRCS plan) prior to the deadline due to circumstances beyond their control. you will miss either the Proof of Loss (POL) or Release and Certification (R&C) deadline, contact your Navigator before the deadline to request an extension either by letter or email.

Claims Read More

FEMA: Claims Office Ramps Up Compensation To $116M

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FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has published updated claims data as of Nov. 9, 2023. The office has provided $116 million to claimants affected by last year’s Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

The infographic above updates the numbers of claimants, total compensation of claims, and provides a breakdown by types of losses.

To view the progress in Spanish and English click here: Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office | FEMA.gov or Incendio en Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Oficina de Reclamaciones | FEMA.gov

This data is posted on the Claims Office Read More

Los Alamos High School Key Club Hosts ‘How To Save A Life’ 

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Los Alamos High School Key Club hosts a ‘How to Save a Life’  educational event highlighting the dangers of  Fentanyl Tuesday, Nov. 14 at SALA. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Fire Department Capt. Robert Fuselier speaking to students about the dangers of Fentanyl during LAHS Key Club’s ‘How to Save a Life’  event held Nov. 14 at SALA. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Los Alamos High School Key Club students decided to use some of their cotton candy sales money for a Fentanyl “Harm Reduction” project. They call it “How to Save a Life” and lined up speakers to address Read More

New Hours For Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Advocate Connects Office

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FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Advocate Team announces new Advocate Connects hours to better serve individuals impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding.

Advocate Connects are weekly in-person events designed to provide support, listen to concerns and solve problems.

Individuals can now meet with the Advocate Team 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at the Mora County Commissioners Chambers at 1 Court House Drive and every Thursday in the upstairs meeting room at the Las Vegas Train Station.

This series of Advocate Connects will continue through Dec. 21, Read More

Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round: Don’t Fall Behind

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The Forest Stewards Guild reminds the public that – Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round: Don’t Fall Behind. Courtesy/FSG

Forest Stewards Guild News:

With fall weather in the air, temperatures are getting colder, and nights are getting longer.

This also means that trees are shedding their leaves and dropping their needles. As these burnable materials pile up, they become a fuel bed and can become a fire hazard under dry conditions. In the event of a wildfire, leaves and needles are a fuel source for embers and can ignite easily allowing fires to spread to your home. 

This month’s Wildfire Preparedness Read More

McQuiston: Time To Fall Back (And Check Smoke Alarms)

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

This weekend marks Daylight Savings time when we “fall back” an hour.

A general rule of thumb is to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors when Daylight Savings Time ends and begins (unless you have a special detector – more on that below).

In addition to replacing your batteries, here are some guidelines that are smart to follow when checking/testing smoke alarms:

  • Smoke alarms should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, so look over and keep the instructions.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once
Read More

Kirtland Air Force Base To Conduct Prescribed Burn Today

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Kirtland AFB News:

Beginning Oct. 28, Kirtland Air Force Base officials expect to begin prescribed burns in wildfire-prone remote areas of the base, to reduce combustible plant material that could fuel potential wildfires.

The prescribed burn will only occur under optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed to ensure safe operations and the protection of our neighboring communities.

Prescribed burns are carefully managed, under a multi-agency approach, to maximize safety and effectiveness, while minimizing risk.

The prescribed burn will create smoke, Read More

Forest Service Issues Update On Rincon Prescribed Fire

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Santa Fe Forest Service News:

SANTA FE—The Rincon prescribed fire involves 2,227 acres of hazardous fuels located on French Mesa off Forest Road 8 on the Coyote Ranger District. An Incident Commander (IC) is overseeing the fire until declared out. A fire is declared out when there is no visible smoke or heat detected.

As part of its new strategies for implementing prescribed fire, infrared detection devices (such as handheld devices or drones) are being used to monitor residual heat invisible to the naked eye on the fire. Crews continue to secure around the Rincon perimeter by eliminating heat Read More