Magdalena Ranger District Durfee Bolander Prescribed Fire Update

4/29/2024 UPDATE

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands fire crews have implemented ignitions on unit 12 today. Aerial ignitions were used today to burn interiors within perimeters on all 3 units (11, 12 & 13). Crews will continue to secure and control the perimeters.

Smoke may be visible for a couple days from the communities of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil.

Ignitions are dependent upon agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in the prescribed fire plan. Optimal conditions result in effective smoke ventilation and dispersal and help achieve the desired effects needed to accomplish the burn plan objectives.

The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state air quality and smoke management regulations. However, smoke may settle into drainages and lower elevations at night but is expected to dissipate as daytime temperatures increase. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the www.airnow.gov/

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires are intended to reduce hazardous fuels accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Additionally, fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the priority.