GRANTS, N.M. – As fall sets in, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands fire crews are gearing up to strategically start several prescribed fires, starting potentially by October 16, in an effort to mitigate hazardous fuels. There will be two different fires in the Mount Taylor Ranger District over approximately 2,206 acres, when the prescribed burns begin.
Drawing on guidelines from the Forest Service Chief’s National Prescribed Fire Program Review, the Cibola NF&NGs will adopt the latest scientific research, modeling, and daily conditions evaluations. Whether these prescribed fires will be executed will be contingent on factors including resource availability, agency administrator approval, air quality, fuel moisture levels, and the predicted weather. The primary aim is always to prioritize the safety of the public and firefighters.
Prescribed fires, known for their effectiveness in ecosystem restoration and decreasing high-severity wildfire risks, are essential for enhancing forest health, ensuring firefighter safety, improving wildlife habitats, and safeguarding communities and watersheds.
Redondo RX Fire: Encompassing 706 acres on Sawyer, situated three miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road 480 in the Zuni Mountains. Communities including Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants, and Millan might observe smoke.
East La Jara RX Fire: Spanning 1,500 acres, located seven miles NE of Grants, NM. Smoke could potentially be seen from Grants, Acoma, Laguna, Cubero, and Seboyeta.
Weather conditions and smoke impacts will be closely monitored daily, with fire crews taking measures to reduce smoke repercussions. However, the possibility of smoke visibility from local communities lingers until the extinguishing of the burning vegetation. For health protection tips and air quality data, the public is encouraged to visit www.airnow.gov.
Specific start dates for each prescribed fire will be determined based on agency approval and the conditions specified in the burn plan.
Along with prescribed burns in Mount Taylor, there are going to be other prescribed burns in the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands.
1. Mountainair Ranger District:
• Capilla RX Fire: Targeting 616 acres within the Capilla Fuels Reduction and Restoration Project in the Manzano Mountains, about 6 miles northwest of Mountainair.
• Capilla Piles RX Fire: Involves 13 acres of piles in the same Capilla project area.
2. Sandia Ranger District:
• David Canyon RX Fire: Covering 621 acres in the David Canyon region in the Manzanita Mountains, which lies to the west of Hwy 337 and the Mars Court trailhead.
• Sulphur Piles RX Fire: Focuses on 60 acres of piles in the Sandia east mountains.
3. Magdalena Ranger District:
• Dufee Bolander RX Fire: Encompasses 998 acres near Durfee Bolander Canyon along FSR 220.
• Baney: Targets 112 acres close to Limestone Canyon along FSR
476.
For updates and announcements regarding the prescribed fire projects, residents can check InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information, and the Cibola NF & NGs website, as well as its Facebook and Twitter pages.
To contact the Mt Taylor Ranger District Office, dial 505-287-8833