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Birch Lake Campground Closed from May 3 2021 until 12noon on May 10 2021

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Publication Type: Closures

The Birch Lake Campground and Boat Access were temporarily closed to public use on Tuesday, May 4 with the intent to reopen at 12noon on Monday, May 10, 2021. Reopening could be delayed depending on the conditions and impacts of smoke to the campground area.

May 7 2021 Kangas Prescribed Fire UPDATE

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Publication Type: News

UPDATE

Date Issued: May 7, 2021Prescribed Fire Information: 218-248-2411 or online at inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior

Current Status: On May 4 and 5, 2021 firefighters from the Superior National Forest, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, and California successfully burned the 576 acre Kangas Unit 5 located south of Ely, MN. The weather conditions were within prescription for fuel moisture, low wind speed, wind direction, and humidity levels in the 30-40% range and helped to produce an effective timber site prep burn for ecosystem management and fuels reduction. When fire managers reviewed the weather forecast for May 6, 2021 it was obvious that conditions would be out of prescription for prescribed fire with higher wind speeds and lower humidity levels. No prescribed fire activity was conducted on May 6, 2021 when critical fire weather and red flag warnings were issued. Crews continue to monitor Unit 5 and ensure that the prescribed fire remains within its boundaries. Planned Actions for Prescribed Fires: Original plans for today included conducting the Kangas Units 4 and 3 Prescribed Fires however, recent precipitation over the area has made conditions too damp. Fire managers are hoping to continue burning operations on Kangas Units 3 and 4 tomorrow, Saturday, May 8, 2021. Actual date of ignition is dependent on many factors including fuel moisture, relative humidity, temperature, and wind. Closures: The Birch Lake Campground and Boat Access were temporarily closed to public use on Tuesday, May 4 with the intent to reopen at 12noon on Monday, May 10, 2021. Reopening could be delayed depending on the conditions and impacts of smoke to the campground area. Size and Location: Kangas Unit 3 (224 acres), Unit 4 (126 acres), and Unit 5 (576 acres) are located along Little Lake Rd west of Birch Lake, Township 61N, Range 11W, Sections 18 & 19. Description:  The units were recently harvested to prepare for future planting by reducing the slash and competing vegetation. These actions also support natural regeneration of long-lived conifer species, which in turn will diversify the species of trees in the area. All the Kangas units are a part of the greater Ely area hazardous fuel reduction effort. Prescribed fire treatments reduce hazardous fuels and create a patchwork or mosaic of fire-resistant forest stands in the landscape that can reduce the intensity of future wildfires. Safety Message: For the safety of firefighters and the public we are asking the public to stay off the Little Lake Road road and out of the area during prescribed fire operations. Resources: Regular fire crews and engines are available to respond to wildfires. Additional holding crews, engines, and ignition crews of firefighters and/or engines are working directly on the prescribed fires. Fire crews will continue to monitor the prescribed fire units.

Kangas Stewardship Prescribed Fire

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Publication Type: Announcement

Date Issued: May 3, 2021

Prescribed Fire Information: 218-248-2411 or online at inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior

Anticipated Schedule for Prescribed Fires: The USDA Forest Service plans to implement several prescribed fire projects on the Superior National Forest this spring, including some Kangas Units. We anticipate being able to conduct Kangas Unit 5 as early as Tuesday, May 4 and potentially follow with Units 4 and 3 on the following days (May 5-6). The actual date of ignition is dependent on many factors including fuel moisture, relative humidity, temperature, and wind.

Size and Location: Kangas Unit 3 (224 acres), Unit 4 (126 acres), and Unit 5 (576 acres) are located along Little Lake Road west of Birch Lake and north of the Birch Lake Campground, Township 61N, Range 11W, Sections 18 and 19.

Description: This unit was recently harvested with a main objective to prepare for future planting by reducing the slash and vegetation competition in the areas that were harvested and to also reduce the hazardous fuels within the unit. These actions also support the natural regeneration of long-lived conifer species which in turn will diversify the species of trees in the area.

All the Kangas units are a part of the greater Ely area hazardous fuel reduction effort. Prescribed fire treatments also create a patchwork or mosaic of fire-resistant forest stands in the landscape that can reduce the intensity of future wildfires.

Safety Message: For the safety of firefighters and the public we are asking the public to stay off the Little Lake Road road and out of the area during prescribed fire operations.

Closures: The Birch Lake Campground and Boat Access will be temporarily closed to public use beginning Tuesday, May 4 with the intent to reopen at 12noon on Friday, May 7, 2021. Reopening could be delayed depending on the conditions and impacts of smoke to the campground area.

Resources: Holding crews/or engine and ignition crews of firefighters and/or engines will be working directly on the prescribed fire while it is active. Fire crews will be limiting interactions with other crews and the public and will be following CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Additional resources like a hotshot crew or a job corps crew may supplement Superior National Forest staff.

Birch Lake Campground and Boat Access Closed 54510

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Publication Type: Closures

The Birch Lake Campground and Boat Access will be temporarily closed to public use beginning Tuesday, May 4 with the intent to reopen at 12 noon on Monday, May 10, 2021.  Reopening could be delayed depending on the conditions and impacts of smoke to the campground area.

UPDATE Copperton prescribed burn on the Mount Taylor Ranger District

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Publication Type: Announcement

 UPDATE:

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) continues operation thru tomorrow on the Copperton prescribed burn on the Mount Taylor Ranger District. The previously announced plan is to broadcast burn approximately 3,858 acres on the Copperton unit located 3 miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road (FR) 480 in the Zuni Mountains. Burns are blacklined all the way around the plan area. Aerial ignitions will continue today. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area of Rahma, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan. 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/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and that strategy 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. After this prescribed fire is completed, if a future wildfire reaches this area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire due to the absence of accumulated debris and ladder fuels. For more information on the Copperton prescribed burn, contact the Mount Taylor Ranger District Office at 505.287.8833 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505.346.3900

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

  Albuquerque, NM – May 3, 2021 – If conditions remain favorable, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the previously announced Copperton prescribed burn on the Mount Taylor Ranger District as early as Tues, May 4th and continue through Friday May 7th. The decision to proceed continues to depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and winds. The plan is to broadcast burn approximately 3,858 acres on the Copperton unit located 3 miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road (FR) 480 in the Zuni Mountains. Fire managers consider smoke impacts to communities before making a final decision to implement a prescribed fire. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area of Rahma, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan. Area map references included. 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.   Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and that strategy 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. After this prescribed fire is completed, if a future wildfire reaches this area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire due to the absence of accumulated debris and ladder fuels.    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 and on the Cibola Facebook  & Twitter pages.        For more information on the Copperton prescribed burn, contact the Mount Taylor Ranger District Office at 505.287.8833 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505.346.3900

Update Durfee Bolander Unit 10 prescribed burn on the Magdalena Ranger Dist

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Publication Type: Announcement

 UPDATE:

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) continues operation thru tomorrow on the Durfee Bolander Unit 10 prescribed burn on the Magdalena Ranger District. The previously announced plan was to burn 1,075 acres on Unit 10 in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander canyon, along FSR 220 and 473. Burns are blacklined all the way around the plan area. Aerial ignitions will continue today. Smoke may still visible from the communities of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil. 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/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and that strategy 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. After this prescribed fire is completed, if a future wildfire reaches this area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire due to the absence of accumulated debris and ladder fuels. For more information on the Durfee Bolander Unit 10 RX Burn, contact: Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575.854.2281 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505.346.3900

 

Magdalena Ranger District to Implement Durfee Bolander Unit 10 Prescribed

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Publication Type: News

Magdalena Ranger District to
Implement Durfee Bolander Unit 10 Prescribed Fire

  Albuquerque, NM – May 3, 2021 – If conditions remain favorable, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the previously announced Durfee Bolander Unit 10 prescribed burn on the Magdalena Ranger District as early as Tues, May 4th and continue through Sat., May 8th. The decision to proceed continues to depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and winds. The plan is to burn 1,075 acres on Unit 10 in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander canyon, along FSR 220 and 473. Fire managers consider smoke impacts to communities before making a final decision to implement a prescribed fire. Smoke may be visible from the communities of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil. Area map references included. 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.   Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and that strategy 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. After this prescribed fire is completed, if a future wildfire reaches this area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire due to the absence of accumulated debris and ladder fuels.    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 and on the Cibola Facebook  & Twitter pages.   For more information on the Durfee Bolander Unit 10 RX Burn, contact:
Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575.854.2281 or
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505.346.3900

 

New Lightning Caused Wildfire on Williams Ranger District Allowed to Burn

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Publication Type: News

 Williams, Arizona, April 30, 2021 – A new lightning caused wildfire discovered earlier this week on the southeast end of the Williams Ranger District will be allowed to burn naturally within a pre-determined management area to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.
Due to the remote location and low to moderate fire behavior observed, the Thumb Flat fire is being allowed to move naturally for the benefits of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, increasing protection of local private inholdings, and restoring forest health. The overall strategy will be to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 475 acres.
The Thumb Flat fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of the City of Williams near Colcord Canyon. It is currently 160 acres and is burning in a mixed fuel type that include ponderosa pine, pinon juniper, oak, and grasses. The goal is to allow the fire to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while meeting objectives. Growth is expected to increase over the next two days with the fire spread reaching its full potential within the management area by Saturday. Forest road 12 will be burned out in order to confine the fire on the western edge.
Smoke may be visible from Williams, Prescott, and from areas around Flagstaff, but will be short in duration. No smoke impacts are anticipated to developed areas in the surrounding communities.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Reintroducing fire back into the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions. During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the fire vicinity.   Additional fire information can be obtained through the following     sources:  Fire Information Hotline: 928-635-8311 Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
 
 Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7442/

Brittle Fire Update 4302021 Final update unless conditions change

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement
Related Information:
pict20210330-122739-0.pdf (142.64 KB)
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