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Dec. 5, 2023-Fire crews are planning to potentially begin pile burning along Highway 76 and just south of Ojo Sarco, N.M. (map), as early as Thursday, Dec. 7. The piles were created from 137 acres of thinning.

The work is part of the Rio Trampas Project, which aims to restore forest health and resiliency next to communities while providing fuelwood and other wood product opportunities to residents. 

“After many discussions with the community, I’m looking forward to seeing these piles finally addressed,” said Camino Real District Ranger Michael Lujan. “We will approach this work with the upmost care and commitment towards safety.” 

Fire managers will continue to monitor forecasts and ground conditions before ignitions. If circumstances change, they will postpone for a later date. Once burned, crews will patrol and monitor the piles until they are called out. 

The ponderosa forests around the community are fire-dependent and must undergo fire disturbance on a regular basis to maintain resiliency. After prescribed fires are completed, if a future wildfire reaches the area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire making it safer for firefighters to engage.