Mount Taylor Ranger District Takes Part in Critical Fire Management Efforts
GRANTS, NM – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are gearing up for a series of prescribed fires across various ranger districts, including the Mount Taylor Ranger District, in a concerted effort to mitigate hazardous fuels and enhance overall forest health. These strategic prescribed burns aim to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires while promoting ecosystem vitality.
Prescribed fires, carefully planned and executed, serve a multifaceted purpose by eliminating dangerous fuels, enriching soil nutrients, and fostering healthier forests. Cibola NF&NG wrote that skilled fuels specialists devise detailed burn plans that pinpoint the ideal conditions for safe and effective burns, accounting for variables such as temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and vegetation moisture levels.
While prescribed burns inevitably produce some smoke, fire management crews employ tactics to minimize its impact on local communities. According to the National Forest and National Grasslands, these measures include initiating burns early in the day and concluding ignition operations in the afternoon to maximize ventilation. Additionally, dividing the burn areas into smaller units helps reduce smoke exposure. Nevertheless, residents in nearby areas may intermittently witness smoke during the project's duration.
Detailed information on air quality and health precautions can be accessed online at www.airnow.gov.
The overarching land management strategy revolves around cultivating the longterm health of forests, which necessitates the reduction of forest fuels and the regular use of prescribed fires. By clearing accumulated debris and ladder fuels, these controlled burns enhance forest resilience. In the event of future wildfires, their intensity is expected to be lower, making them more manageable and less destructive.
The specific ignition dates for each prescribed fire operation will be subject to agency administrator approval and adherence to conditions specified in the project burn plan.
Mount Taylor Ranger District Redondo RX Fire: Covering 706 acres in the Sawyer area, this prescribed fire is located 3 miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road 480 in the Zuni Mountains. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants, and Milan.
East La Jara RX Fire: Encompassing 800 acres, this fire will be conducted 7 miles northeast of Grants, NM. Smoke may be visible from Grants, Acoma, Laguna, Cubero, and Seboyeta.
Magdalena Ranger District Durfee Bolander RX Burn: Spanning 1,949 acres, this prescribed burn will take place on Unit 5 & 6 in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander Canyon along FSR 220 and east of FSR 549. Smoke may be visible from the communities of Magdalena, Alamo, and Datil.
Other Districts The Sandia Ranger District, Black Kettle National Grassland Ranger District, and Kiowa Rita Blanca National Grasslands Ranger District will also conduct prescribed burns across their respective areas. Smoke may be visible in communities such as Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty, Albuquerque, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, Clayton, New Mexico, and Felt, Oklahoma.
For the latest updates and announcements regarding prescribed fire projects, interested individuals are encouraged to visit InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information, and the Cibola NF & NGs website, as well as follow the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands on Facebook and Twitter.
Residents and concerned individuals may contact the respective ranger district offices for further information:
• Mount Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833 • Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281
• Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990
• Sandia Ranger District Office: 505-281-3304
• Black Kettle National Grassland District Office: 580497-2143
• Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands District Office: 575-374-9652 For more information, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor's Office can be reached at: 505346-3900.