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UPDATE Copperton Prescribed RX Fire start

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Publication Type: Announcement

 UPDATE

Copperton Prescribed (RX) Fire on the Mount Taylor Ranger District implementation has started today. The Copperton prescribed fire is part of the Redondo RX project. Crews are looking to burn the following units in the project: 1,907 acres on the Copperton unit three miles west of Post Office Flats in the Zuni Mountains. The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan. The decision to proceed depended on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. With fire there is smoke, but compared to wildfires, prescribed fires are shorter in duration and are conducted under weather conditions to minimize the impact of smoke on the public. Fire crews use tactics such as starting early in the day and ending ignitions early in the afternoon to allow for the most ventilation possible throughout the burn and dividing blocks into smaller units to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. However, smoke may be visible periodically from local communities and the surrounding areas for the duration of the project until the burning vegetation is out. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. https://nmtracking.org/  

Mount Taylor Ranger District to implement Copperton prescribed fire

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Publication Type: News

Mount Taylor Ranger District to implement Copperton prescribed fire

Starting October 19

  Albuquerque, NM – October 18, 2021 – Pending favorable conditions, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the previously announced Copperton prescribed fire on the Mount Taylor Ranger District as early as Tues., Oct. 19 and continue through Friday, Oct. 22.  

The Copperton prescribed fire is part of the Redondo RX project. Crews are looking to burn the following units in the project: 1,907 acres on the Copperton unit three miles west of Post Office Flats in the Zuni Mountains. The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan.

The decision to proceed continues to depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather.  Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. 

With fire there is smoke, but compared to wildfires, prescribed fires are shorter in duration and are conducted under weather conditions to minimize the impact of smoke on the public. Fire crews use tactics such as starting early in the day and ending ignitions early in the afternoon to allow for the most ventilation possible throughout the burn and dividing blocks into smaller units to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. However, smoke may be visible periodically from local communities and the surrounding areas for the duration of the project until the burning vegetation is out. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website.   All fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Cibola Facebook & Twitter pages. For more information on the Copperton prescribed fire, contact the Mount Taylor Ranger District Office at 505-287-8833 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900   The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Districts to Conduct Prescribed Fire Projects to Reduce Wildfire Risk and I

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Publication Type: News

Districts to Conduct Prescribed Fire Projects
to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Improve Forest Resilience

Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

  Albuquerque, NM – October 8, 2021 –  Fire managers on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) are preparing for prescribed fire operations to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and create healthier, more resilient forest and watershed ecosystems. A final decision on whether to proceed with a specific prescribed burn on the Cibola NF & NGs will depend on environmental conditions, resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather. Prescribed fires are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Below are a list of planned prescribed fires that crews plan to conduct on the Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts starting as early as October 11th and continuing through November pending suitable conditions. Magdalena Ranger District: Baney RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning up to 900 acres on the Baney units in the northwestern part of the San Mateo Mountains approximately 25 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM. The Baney Unit is located along and south of FSR 476 and west of FSR 549 in Township 05 South Range 07 West Sections 18,19,29, 30 and 32 as well as Township 06 South Range 07 West sections 5 and 7. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil. Mount Taylor Ranger District: Redondo RX Burn-Copperton/Sawyer blocks: Fire crews are looking at burning more units of the Redondo RX project. 1,907 acres on the Copperton unit located three miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Service Road (FSR) 480 in the Zuni Mountains, and 663 acres on the Sawyer unit four miles west of Post Office Flats. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan. Mountainair Ranger District – Thunderbird RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning 148 acres on the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management Project. The burn unit is located north of FR 275 along the forest boundary and just west of Game Road. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Game Road, Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, the Estancia Valley or west Manzano communities such as Rio Communities, Belen or Los Lunas. Mountainair Ranger District – Chato RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning 217 acres on the Red Canyon Restoration Project. The burn unit is located north of FR 253 along the forest boundary and just west of Manzano Land Grant. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, the Estancia Valley or west Manzano communities such as Rio Communities, Belen or Los Lunas. Sandia Ranger District – David Canyon RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning approximately 459 acres In the David Canyon area, in the Manzanita Mountains. David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that this year to date, the U.S. has had 46,925 wildfires that have burned a total of 6,423,804 acres. Today, NIFC reports 37 active large fires with 10,191 personnel assigned. As fire seasons become more severe, the need for and efficacy of fuels treatments becomes clearer. The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Cibola NF & NGs works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires. The Cibola NF & NGs manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Enviromental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. All fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, Cibola NF & NGs Facebook & Cibola NF & NGs Twitter pages.   For more information contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281 Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990 Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833 Sandia Ranger District Office: 505-281-3304 Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900
Related Information:
pict20210914-153223-0.pdf (243.16 KB)

Final Update for David Canyon Prescribed Fire

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Publication Type: Announcement

 FINAL UPDATE

Sandia Ranger District David Canyon Prescribed (RX) Fire   Fire crews completed burns on approximately 148 acres within blocks 7 & 8. Map attached.   No further ignitions. Today, crews will hold and secure perimeter. Residual smoke may still be visible from interior pockets within the burn perimeter.   David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Map attached.   The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management.   Residual smoke may still be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque.   Thanks to the firefighters and support staff for all their hard work in planning and implementation of this prescribed burn.

102121 David Canyon Prescribed Fire Update

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Publication Type: News

 UPDATE

Sandia Ranger District David Canyon Prescribed (RX) Fire   Yesterday fire crews burned approximately 84 acres in block 8. Today, plans are to burn 208 acres in block 7. See Map attached.   David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Map attached.   We ask visitors to avoid areas of Pine Flat, Otero Canyon, Tunnel Canyon, Oak Flats and Mars Court trails system.   The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management.   Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque.  

The decision to proceed depends on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Fire managers monitor the weather before a prescribed fire is planned and receive a specific weather forecast the day of the burn to see if the conditions are within the parameters set in the prescribed fire plan. If the wind speed (or other conditions) are outside the prescription, the burn will not be implemented.

  Learn more about the David Canyon RX in our 4 part video series starting with: Part I: Introduction and Overview of the Project Area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlSN_E2lXSs Part II: Operations Plan and Smoke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnoY1jM0fu8&feature=youtu.be       For more information on the David Canyon prescribed fire, contact the Sandia Ranger District Office at 505-281-3304 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900   The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  

UPDATE David Canyon RX implementation start

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

 UPDATE

Sandia Ranger District David Canyon prescribed fire (RX) implementation has started today. Fire crews are looking at burning approximately 459 acres in the David Canyon area, in the Manzanita Mountains. David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Map attached. We ask visitors to avoid areas of Pine Flat, Otero Canyon, Tunnel Canyon, Oak Flats and Mars Court trails system. The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque. Learn more about the David Canyon RX in our 4 part video series starting with: Part I: Introduction and Overview of the Project Area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlSN_E2lXSs Part II: Operations Plan and Smoke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnoY1jM0fu8&feature=youtu.be The decision to proceed depended on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. For more information on the David Canyon prescribed fire, contact the Sandia Ranger District Office at 505-281-3304 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900 The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Sandia Ranger District to implement David Canyon prescribed fire

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Publication Type: News

Sandia Ranger District to
implement David Canyon prescribed fire

Starting October 19

  Albuquerque, NM – October 18, 2021 – Pending favorable conditions, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the previously announced David Canyon prescribed fire (RX) on the Sandia Ranger District as early as Tues, Oct. 19 and continue through Fri., Oct. 22. Fire crews are looking at burning approximately 459 acres In the David Canyon area, in the Manzanita Mountains. David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Map attached. We ask visitors to avoid areas of Pine Flat, Otero Canyon, Tunnel Canyon, Oak Flats and Mars Court trails system. The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque. Learn more about the David Canyon RX in our 4 part video series starting with:             Part I: Introduction and Overview of the Project Area Part II: Operations Plan and Smoke The decision to proceed continues to depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather.  Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. With fire there is smoke, but compared to wildfires, prescribed fires are shorter in duration and are conducted under weather conditions to minimize the impact of smoke on the public. Fire crews use tactics such as starting early in the day and ending ignitions early in the afternoon to allow for the most ventilation possible throughout the burn and dividing blocks into smaller units to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. However, smoke may be visible periodically from local communities and the surrounding areas for the duration of the project until the burning vegetation is out. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. All fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Cibola Facebook & Twitter pages. For more information on the David Canyon prescribed fire, contact the Sandia Ranger District Office at 505-281-3304 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900 The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

# # #

Districts to Conduct Prescribed Fire Projects to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

 

Districts to Conduct Prescribed Fire Projects
to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Improve Forest Resilience

Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

  Albuquerque, NM – October 8, 2021 –  Fire managers on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) are preparing for prescribed fire operations to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and create healthier, more resilient forest and watershed ecosystems. A final decision on whether to proceed with a specific prescribed burn on the Cibola NF & NGs will depend on environmental conditions, resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather. Prescribed fires are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Below are a list of planned prescribed fires that crews plan to conduct on the Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts starting as early as October 11th and continuing through November pending suitable conditions. Magdalena Ranger District: Baney RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning up to 900 acres on the Baney units in the northwestern part of the San Mateo Mountains approximately 25 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM. The Baney Unit is located along and south of FSR 476 and west of FSR 549 in Township 05 South Range 07 West Sections 18,19,29, 30 and 32 as well as Township 06 South Range 07 West sections 5 and 7. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil. Mount Taylor Ranger District: Redondo RX Burn-Copperton/Sawyer blocks: Fire crews are looking at burning more units of the Redondo RX project. 1,907 acres on the Copperton unit located three miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Service Road (FSR) 480 in the Zuni Mountains, and 663 acres on the Sawyer unit four miles west of Post Office Flats. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan. Mountainair Ranger District – Thunderbird RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning 148 acres on the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management Project. The burn unit is located north of FR 275 along the forest boundary and just west of Game Road. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Game Road, Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, the Estancia Valley or west Manzano communities such as Rio Communities, Belen or Los Lunas. Mountainair Ranger District – Chato RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning 217 acres on the Red Canyon Restoration Project. The burn unit is located north of FR 253 along the forest boundary and just west of Manzano Land Grant. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, the Estancia Valley or west Manzano communities such as Rio Communities, Belen or Los Lunas. Sandia Ranger District – David Canyon RX Burn: Fire crews are looking at burning approximately 459 acres In the David Canyon area, in the Manzanita Mountains. David Canyon is located west of Hwy 337 and West of the Mars Court trailhead. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty and Albuquerque. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that this year to date, the U.S. has had 46,925 wildfires that have burned a total of 6,423,804 acres. Today, NIFC reports 37 active large fires with 10,191 personnel assigned. As fire seasons become more severe, the need for and efficacy of fuels treatments becomes clearer. The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Cibola NF & NGs works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires. The Cibola NF & NGs manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Enviromental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. All fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, Cibola NF & NGs Facebook & Cibola NF & NGs Twitter pages.   For more information contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281 Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990 Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833 Sandia Ranger District Office: 505-281-3304 Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900  
Related Information:
pict20210914-153339-0.pdf (243.16 KB)

681490 Fire Final Update Wednesday October 13th 2100

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Publication Type: News

Acreage: 272 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Roadside vehicle fire
 
Forward progression of the 681490 Fire has been stopped and all containment lines tied in. The fire was mapped at 272 acres. The fire will be turned back over to local departments for monitoring. 

FM 681 Road Closure

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Publication Type: Closures

*Udpate* Closure of FM 681 has been lifted. Please remain cautious and aware of emergency personnel still on scene. 
 
FM 681 north of FM 490 is closed to allow emergency responders to work safely. Texas Department of Public Safety is on scene to assist. 

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