McGAFFEY WILDFIRE PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT AT LLANO QUEMADO COMMUNITY CENTER

McGaffey Wildfire Public Meeting Tonight 7 pm

Llano Quemado Community Center

130 Miranda Canyon Rd, Ranchos de Taos

The McGaffey fire is currently at 78 acres. There was no significant moisture on the fire last night, all lines held with low fire activity and minimal spread. 

A meeting was held last night at the County Commission Chamber to present stakeholders with a plan by fire managers to utilize the naturally caused McGaffey to promote forest health and meet multiple resource objectives.

Today fire managers are preparing an area surrounding the fire to include a possible addition of close to 700 acres.  As fuel conditions and weather dictates, the burning of the additional acres can start as early as tomorrow, with remaining acreage on Sunday.  Over the weekend Taos, Llano Quemado, Ranchos de Taos, and surrounding communities will see a significant increase in smoke.  As fuels in the interior continue to burn, smoke production will diminish.

The objectives on this type of fire are to benefit natural and cultural resources by creating openings in the dense tree canopy and promote the growth of grasses and shrubs that provide habitat for sensitive species, game and non-game species.  When possible fire is allowed to consume clumps of smaller diameter trees to diversify tree stands and restore diversity of health within ponderosa pine and mixed conifer vegetation.  This type of fire will also reduce the possibility of future high intensity destructive wildfires that could impact the communities of Llano Quemado and Pot Creek as well as preventing damage to critical watersheds.

The New Mexico Department Air Quality Bureau has been notified of the plans for this fire and smoke monitors have been placed in Llano Quemado and Pot Creek.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

McGaffey Fire information can be reached at 575-758-6357 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.