Carson National Forest – Bull Springs Prescribed Burn

Taos, NM, September 22, 2016—For Immediate Release. The Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest plans to conduct a prescribed burn on a total of 770 acres in the Bull Springs unit of the La Jara Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Project Area. This project is located on the south side of east US Highway 64, ten miles east of Taos and two miles west of Angel Fire. Ignition of this prescribed burn will occur September 26 through October 28th 2016, contingent on days when favorable conditions exist. Vegetation, weather conditions, and available resources must be met in order to conduct this prescribed burn.

The goal of this prescribed burn is to begin to restore forest health by reducing forest densities, improving wildlife habitat diversity, and revitalizing meadows and aspen groves. As well as, reducing hazardous fuels thus reducing the risk of large-scale wildfires in adjacent WUI areas including Taos Pueblo lands, Taos Pines, Angel Fire, and Valle Escondido. This prescribed burn will also provide protection to surrounding infrastructure.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires burned through southwestern forests every two to 10 years as part of a natural cycle. Prescribed fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. This is one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems by applying low-intensity fire to the landscape under specific conditions within predetermined boundaries. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Smoke may be visible from the communities of Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Black Lake, and Valle Escondido. Motorist are encouraged to use caution when smoke is present along US Highway 64.

Smoke from the prescribed burn will be monitored, and the information will be available to provide health advisories as necessary. Lingering smoke may be present for up to one week after ignitions are complete. 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.

For additional information about these prescribed burns, please contact the Camino Real Ranger District at 575-587-2255. For text messages on the progress of the fire text ‘follow CarsonNF’ to 40404.