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After assessing strategies for the Medio Fire, Carson National Forest fire managers decided to have crews fully contain it. The decision was based on numerous factors, including the fire’s location near the national forest boundary and prioritizing plans for prescribed fire in the nearby Montoya Unit. 

The Medio Fire was caused by lightning and first reported on May 13. The fire crept on the forest floor, consuming fuels like pine needles, brush and fallen branches over a quarter-acre. Crews fully contained it yesterday. 

“Every fire receives a risk-based strategy,” said District Ranger Angie Krall. “When the conditions and circumstances are right, we might use a fire with similar behavior in the future to benefit forest health before containing flames.” 

Ponderosa pine stands are fire dependent and need it—frequently at low intensities—to maintain ecosystem functions. 

While the Medio Fire is adjacent to the Canjilon Wildland Urban Interface Project area, Krall and fire managers opted to focus on the planned 899-acre Montoya Prescribed Fire, which could start as early as Friday, May 17 to the east of Canjilon, N.M. 

To reduce the risk from wildfire, Forest Service staff and partners have invested over $10 million in forest restoration in the area since 2011. Many adjacent private landowners, with the assistance of the state, are contributing by thinning and applying prescribed fire on their own properties. 

The public can receive updates on the Montoya Prescribed Fire on InciWeb.