GRANTS, NM — Fire management teams from the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are gearing up to implement multiple prescribed burns across several districts to reduce hazardous fuels and improve ecosystem health, with operations potentially starting as early as April 23, 2024.
According to New Mexico Forestry Division’s Communications specialist George Ducker, the scheduled burns will take place in the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, and Mountainair Ranger Districts, aiming to strategically eliminate accumulated debris and undergrowth which can fuel wildfires. This proactive approach seeks to enhance forest resilience against the increasing threats posed by climate change and past fire suppression practices.
Details of the Upcoming Prescribed Burns:
• Mt. Taylor Ranger District:
• Sawyer RX Fire: Approximately 706 acres are set to be treated three miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road 480 in the Zuni Mountains. Communities such as Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants, and Milan may notice smoke.
• East La Jara RX Fire: Targeting 800 acres, seven miles northeast of Grants, smoke may be visible from Grants, Acoma, Laguna, Cubero, and Seboyeta.
• Magdalena Ranger District:
• Durfee Bolander RX Burn: This operation will cover 1,455 acres in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander Canyon along FSR 220 and west of FSR 549. Smoke may affect Magdalena, Alamo, and Datil.
• Mountainair Ranger District:
• Capilla RX: Set to manage 543 acres in the Manzano Mountains, roughly 6 miles northwest of Mountainair. Smoke could impact the surrounding areas of Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, and the Estancia Valley.
The fire crews will initiate burns under conditions that favor smoke dispersal to minimize the impact on the surrounding communities. However, Ducker said residents may see or smell smoke during burning operations.
Enhanced measures such as early morning ignitions and creating smaller burn units will be used to control smoke levels. Information on air quality and health protection is available at AirNow.gov.
Long-Term Benefits
These prescribed fires are essential for maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem.
By reducing the load of combustible materials, the management teams aim to prevent the occurrence of uncontrollable wildfires. Additionally, these burns will help to restore natural conditions by returning nutrients to the soil, promoting the growth of native vegetation, and improving habitats for wildlife.
Ducker said firefighters and public safety are top priorities during all prescribed fire operations. The burns are carefully planned and only conducted under suitable weather conditions to ensure control and effectiveness. Stay Informed: Updates and announcements about prescribed fires will be continuously posted on InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information, and the official Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands websites and social media pages. Residents can also contact the ranger district offices directly with questions or for more information:
• Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833
• Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281
• Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990
• Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-3463900