Transfer of command for the Kimble Complex occurred on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. John Fry, Incident Commander, turned over management of the complex to the local unit. Will Foster, Incident Commander Trainee, will assist incoming Incident Commander Tym Sauter.

Magdalena Ranger District to Implement
Durfee Bolander Unit 7 Prescribed Fire

Magdalena Ranger District – San Mateo Mountains - Socorro County, NM

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Nov. 14, 2022 – Pending favorable conditions, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) plan to implement the previously announced Durfee Bolander Unit 7 prescribed fire on the Magdalena Ranger District as early as Tuesday, Nov. 15 and possibly continue thru Sunday Nov. 20.

The project area is located within San Mateo Mountains, Socorro County, NM on Unit 7 in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander canyon, along FSR 220 and 220X. The projected prescribed fire acreage has been reduced from previously announced after careful evaluation of the current and expected weather conditions to approximately 270 acres within the project area for broadcast burning of grass, pinyon juniper and pine. See map reference.

Ignition start will depend upon agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in burn plans. Optimal conditions will result in effective smoke ventilation and dispersal and help achieve the desired effects needed to accomplish the burn plan objectives.

Prescribed fires are utilized to remove hazardous fuels, return nutrients to the soil and improve forest health. Fuels specialists write prescribed burn plans that identify – or prescribe – the best conditions under which trees and other plants will burn to get the best results safely. Burn plans consider temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation and conditions for dispersal smoke.

With fire there is smoke, but firefighters take measures to reduce smoke impacts as much as possible. 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 the communities of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil 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.

Updates on the Durfee Bolander Prescribed Fire will be posted on InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Cibola NF & NGs website, Facebook  & Twitter pages.  

For more information on the Durfee Bolander Unit 7 prescribed fire project, contact:
Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281 or
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900

News Release
BLM Southwest District Office, Colorado

Media Contact: Deana Harms 970-403-5576

November 9, 2022

BLM Gunnison and Tres Rios Field Offices plan winter prescribed pile burning

MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southwest District plans to burn slash piles on public lands managed by BLM at several locations in the Gunnison and Tres Rios Field Offices as conditions allow throughout the winter. These burns are part of larger projects on the Southwest District to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health. Prescribed pile burning locations include:

• Baldy Pine Piles, 14 miles west of Powderhorn, CO & 4 miles west of Highway 149
• Los Pinos Piles, 13 miles south-southeast of Powderhorn, CO & Highway 149
• Overlook Piles on Dolores West Rim, 6 miles east of Dove Creek, CO & Highway 149
• Grandview Piles in Grandview/3 Springs area, southeast of Durango & 2 miles NW of Mercy Medical Center
• Yellow Jacket piles within Canyons of Ancients National Monument, 24 miles west of Cortez, CO
• Summit Lake piles south of Highway 184 between Dolores and Mancos, CO
• Edgemont Highlands piles 5 miles northeast of Durango, CO

“The burn plans contain specific criteria regarding amount of snow or rain received, weather conditions and acceptable smoke dispersal to minimize potential air quality impacts to local communities. These projects will improve forest health by achieving specific resource objectives such as habitat improvement and fuels reduction, along with reducing wildfire risk to communities,” stated James Savage, BLM Supervisory Fuels Specialist.

“Projects in the Los Pinos and Baldy Pine areas are reducing hazardous fuels from bug kill mitigation efforts to improve forest health,” said Brian Stevens, BLM Fire Management Specialist. 

The prescribed pile burning may take multiple days to complete once initiated and will be monitored throughout the process to ensure public safety. While smoke may be visible in the area at times, most of the smoke will lift and dissipate during the warmest parts of the day. A detailed burn plan outlines the parameters for prescribed burns.

The BLM obtained smoke permits from the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For information on prescribed burns, visit the Southwest District BLM Prescribed Fire InciWeb page (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7852/) or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SWD_Fire) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit).

-BLM-

The Southwest Colorado BLM District covers the BLM Gunnison Field Office, Uncompahgre Field Office, and Tres Rios Field Office in the Colorado counties of Archuleta, Conejos, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mesa, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, and San Miguel.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 11 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $111 billion in economic output across the country in fiscal year 2020—more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior. These activities supported more than 498,000 jobs.

Tuesday afternoon, fire managers increased containment of the Kimble Complex to 90%. The fire area received an additional 0.30 inches of rain on Tuesday.

The Umatilla National Forest intends to conduct pile burning operations over the next few weeks in various locations across the Forest. Visitors may see smoke from these operations and are encouraged to use caution if approaching an active pile burn. Roads and areas surrounding pile burning activity will be signed..

All burns will be monitored until a season ending rain or snow event occurs.

Additional information about pile burning activities will be posted at https://bluemtnprescribedfire.blogspot.com/

Pile burning this week:

• The Walla Walla Ranger District will be pile burning along Highway 204.
• The Pomeroy Ranger District will be pile burning near the Stentz Springs Recreation Residences.
• The Heppner Ranger District will be pile burning within the Mallory Blowdown project area (approximately 32 miles southeast of Heppner) and the HK Salvage project area (approximately 40 miles south of Heppner).

KIMBLE COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE

Monday, November 14, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Total Acres: 1,338 | Percent Contained: 30% |Start Date: November 8, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation | Location: Ironton Ranger District | Personnel on Incident: 74

Highlights: This will be the last Fire Update for the Kimble Complex unless there is a significant change in fire activity. The Wayne National Forest Public Affairs Office will distribute press releases about the fire situation as needed.

Operations: Yesterday, the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS - drone, and pilot) was deployed over the fire area. Ten areas of heat were located along the eastern perimeter of the fire. These areas of heat consisted of smoldering stumps and dead and down woody debris. Crews on site immediately found and cooled those spots. Along the southern fire edge, several hazardous trees weakened by the fire were removed, and crews mopped up to further secure that portion of the fire area. Firefighters searched for hot spots by gridding in the area south of Kimble Creek.

Today, the UAS, using infrared technology, will again fly over the area to look for additional areas of heat that are identified by the UAS. Even though the fire area received significant precipitation over the past few days, the fine fuels, such as leaf litter, has quickly dried out. Firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the fires edge and extinguish any areas of heat that may be of concern.

ATTENTION: The public is requested to SLOW DOWN while driving along Telegraph Hill Road near the fire area. Firefighters and fire equipment in the vicinity present a significant traffic hazard.

Weather: Skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the low to mid-40s. Minimum relative humidity will be in the low 40% range.  Light northeast to east winds are expected.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  There are no temporary flight restrictions in place.  

Evacuations and Closures:  Currently, there are no evacuations or closures.

Smoke: Visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ for wildfire smoke information.

Fire Information:

Phone: 740-447-4626     

Email: peggy_miller@firenet.gov

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ohwaf-kimble-complex | www.facebook.com/waynenationalforest | https://twitter.com/WayneNationalFS

KIMBLE COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE

Sunday, November 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Total Acres: 1,337 | Percent Contained: 15% |Start Date: November 8, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation | Location: Ironton Ranger District | Personnel on Incident: 97

Highlights: Weather permitting, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) consisting of a drone and a pilot will survey the fire area using infrared technology to look for areas of heat.

Operations: Yesterday, pockets of heat were located and extinguished. As the weather allowed, firefighters assessed containment lines to identify hazardous trees and improve the lines. Crews completed the removal of hazard trees along the 166 Road.

Today’s operational priorities are: patrol, continue mop-up, improve containment lines, and remove hazardous trees. Hardwood litter can drift over the containment lines as the fuels dry out. Firefighters will use leaf blowers to refresh fire lines as needed.

ATTENTION: The public is requested to SLOW DOWN while driving along Telegraph Hill Road near the fire area. Firefighters and fire equipment in the vicinity present a significant traffic hazard.

Weather: Mostly cloudy with a high temperature of around 40 degrees and a minimum relative humidity of 52%. Light west winds of 5 mph are expected.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  There are no temporary flight restrictions in place.  

Evacuations and Closures:  Currently, there are no evacuations or closures.

Smoke: Visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ for wildfire smoke information.

Fire Information:

Phone: 740-447-4626      Email: peggy_miller@firenet.gov

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ohwaf-kimble-complex | www.facebook.com/waynenationalforest | https://twitter.com/WayneNationalFS

KIMBLE COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE

Saturday, November 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Total Acres: 1,337 | Percent Contained: 5% |Start Date: November 8, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation | Location: Ironton Ranger District | Personnel on Incident: 80

Highlights: Yesterday, approximately two inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Nicole was recorded at the Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) near the Kimble Complex Fire area. The precipitation reduced fire activity and helped firefighters prepare to secure fire lines in case activity increases, possibly after the rain passes and leaves dry out.

Operations: Yesterday, a small contingent of firefighters patrolled the fire perimeter and mopped up when safe to do so. Fire managers deemed it unsafe for most crews and equipment to engage in the fire due to wet ground and access roads. They took advantage of the shift in camp to refurbish their gear, sharpening chainsaws and making repairs to other equipment used on the fire line.

Today, fire crews will reengage. They will patrol and mop up to further secure fire lines. Reinforcing these lines will help prevent fire spread as weather and fuels dry out. Work to remove hazardous trees will continue today. Fire managers will monitor the weather to ensure firefighter safety in wet conditions.

ATTENTION: The public is asked to SLOW DOWN while driving along Telegraph Hill Road near the fire area. Firefighters and fire equipment in the vicinity present a significant traffic hazard.

Weather: Cloudy skies with a chance of rain. Temperatures in the low 40s, with minimum relative humidity in the low 70s. Light winds are expected.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  There are no temporary flight restrictions in place.  

Evacuations and Closures:  Currently, there are no evacuations or closures.

Smoke: Visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ for wildfire smoke information.

Fire Information:

Phone: 740-447-4626      Email: peggy_miller@firenet.gov

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ohwaf-kimble-complex | www.facebook.com/waynenationalforest | https://twitter.com/WayneNationalFS

KIMBLE COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE

Friday, November 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Total Acres: 1,337 | Start Date: November 8, 2022

Cause: Under Investigation | Location: Ironton Ranger District     

Highlights:  A local type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the incident on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at noon. John Fry is the Incident Commander, and Nate Wiedow, Incident Commander Trainee, assists him.

 Operations: Yesterday, the firefighters assessed and improved fire lines to ensure that those lines were secure. Stump holes are smoldering, and smoke is visible. Crews worked to mitigate the many standing snag trees that were burned out and in danger of falling. These trees present a severe life hazard to firefighters working in the area. Snag mitigation work occurred primarily along western and eastern fire perimeters.

ATTENTION: The public is asked to SLOW DOWN as they travel along Telegraph Hill Road near the fire area. Firefighters and fire equipment in the vicinity present a significant traffic hazard.

 Weather: Precipitation from the remnants of Hurricane Nicole will impact the fire area today. Firefighter safety is the number one priority and fire managers will assess whether it will be safe for firefighting operations and mop up to take place today.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  There are no temporary flight restrictions in place.  

Evacuations and Closures:  Currently, there are no evacuations or closures.

Smoke: Visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ for wildfire smoke information.

Fire Information:

Phone: 740-447-4626      Email: peggy_miller@firenet.gov

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ohwaf-kimble-complex | www.facebook.com/waynenationalforest | https://twitter.com/WayneNationalFS