Fire

SFNF Issues Closure Order For Additional Areas On Jemez Ranger District For Post-Fire Risks

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SFNF News:

…Several Popular Recreation Sites Are Exempt from the Order and Remain Open

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) today issued an additional closure order to protect public health and safety in the event of potential post-fire impacts from the Cerro Pelado Fire, including debris flow and flash flooding.

Closure Order No. 10-519 joins the earlier Order No. 10-515, and both will remain in effect until rescinded or until Dec. 31, 2022, whichever comes earlier.

The closure order prohibits members of the public from entering the restricted area, including all Forest Read More

Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round: Skip The Fireworks To Support Firefighters!

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Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fireworks are a popular Fourth of July tradition. Over the years, many of us have personally experienced close calls and disasters related to firework-ignited fires – a stray ember on a rooftop, burnt grass, smoldering casings and other potential ignition sources.

The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF), in cooperation with partners, urges the public to forego the fireworks this Fourth of July to keep local communities safe by continuing the “Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round” campaign. The SFNF message for July is ‘Skip the Fireworks to Support Firefighters’ Read More

Calf Canyon & Hermits Peak Fires 93 Percent Contained

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Map of the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fires. Courtesy/SFNF 

SFNF News:

Fire resources on the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fires are being released due to the decrease in fire activity.

The Camino Real Ranger District on the Carson National Forest and Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest remain closed as firefighters continue to work on suppression repair across the entire fire area.

The next virtual Community Meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Details:

  • Acres: 341,735;
  • Containment: 93 percent;
  • Total personnel: 1,187;
  • Start
Read More

SFNF: Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District Remains Closed Due To Fire Activity, Post-Fire Impacts, Predicted Precipitation Raises Risk Of Flash Flooding In Canyons

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is still closed to the public due to fire activities related to the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires and potential post-fire impacts, including flash flooding and dangerous debris flow.

Closure Order No. 10-508, here, remains in effect to protect public health and safety.

Hikers and campers anywhere on the Pecos/Las Vegas District, including the popular Pecos Canyon and Dalton Canyon areas, are in violation of the order, a Class B misdemeanor that carries a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals Read More

Tales Of Our Times: Wildland Firefighting Enjoys Potent Aids To Better Decisions

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Tales of our Times

By JOHN BARTLIT
New Mexico Citizens
for Clean Air & Water

The Cerro Pelado Fire recently threatened nearby mountains, canyons, and their resident assets in Northern New Mexico.

Over 45,000 acres burned. For three straight weeks, wildland firefighters averaged two one-hour meetings a week in town, which gave town dwellers a close look at the ins and outs of wildland firefighting.

Wildland fires have much the look and feel of war zones, with one epic difference: Mother Nature is in charge. Though she can be harsh, nature is not a source of fake clues. Diversionary ploys are Read More

SFNF Issues Closure Order For Jemez Recreation Sites At Risk Of Post-Fire Flooding

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Friday issued a closure order to protect public health and safety by closing several popular developed recreation sites along N.M. 4 on the Jemez Ranger District.

The recreation sites are at extreme risk of flash flooding from post-fire impacts, including flash flooding, from the Cerro Pelado Fire, which started April 22 about 7 miles east of Jemez Springs.

Recreation sites closed to the public:

  • Battleship Rock;
  • Soda Dam;
  • Bluffs Fishing Access;
  • Spanish Queen Picnic Area;
  • Vista Linda Campground;
  • River’s Bend Fishing Access;
  • San Diego
Read More

SFNF Has Lifted Fire Restrictions Forest-wide!

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has lifted both Stage 2 and Stage 3 fire restrictions for most of the 1.6-million-acre forest effective 8 a.m. today, June 24.

This lift in restrictions is due to the early onset of monsoonal weather patterns bringing widespread moisture across Northern New Mexico.

Note:

  • The closure order for the Cerro Pelado Fire area on the Jemez Ranger District will remain in effect.
  • The entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District also remain under a fire closure order as firefighters continue to work on the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires.

Although recent Read More

Carson National Forest To Reopen Friday Morning!

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Carson National Forest News:

RED RIVER – Carson National Forest administration has announced today that the forest is re-opening to public access and local fire restrictions will be rescinded effective 8 a.m. Friday.

“We are very excited and pleased to receive the sufficient amount of rain in our area,” said Secretary Tracy Green of the Red River Off-Road Coalition. “Even though the fire restrictions are lifted, it might take some time for the US Forest Service to remove the barricades and check the conditions of the trails. A popular Goose Lake trail will remain inaccessible due to the fallen Read More

Los Alamos County Lifts All Fire Restrictions Immediately!

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COUNTY News:

The Fire Marshal’s Office with the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has announced that all fire restrictions for Los Alamos County are lifted, effective immediately.

According to officials, this decision was made in partnership with LAFD’s Wildland Division after reviewing recent rainfall events, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and current or predicted weather patterns.

With fire restrictions lifted, thanks to the early onset of monsoonal weather patterns, individuals can once again recreate at County parks or developed campsites. They may even build and maintain Read More

Bandelier To Lift Fire Restrictions Friday Morning!

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Bandelier National Monument will lift Stage II and III fire restrictions Friday. Post file photo

BANDELIER News:

With the recent rain, a forecast for continued moisture and reduced fire danger, Bandelier National Monument will lift Stage II and III fire restrictions 9 a.m. Friday, June 24.

All campgrounds, wilderness and backcountry areas and trails will be open to the public.

Note: The Alamo Boundary Trail and the area adjacent to the trail affected by the Cerro Pelado Fire will remain closed due to public health and safety risks posed by hazard trees and potential post-fire flooding.

Alcove Read More