Prescribed Fire at New Mexico-Colorado Border Called Off 

Expected break in winds not developing 

Despite favorable vegetation and fuels conditions, fire managers have decided to postpone the planned collaborative prescribed fire across the New Mexico-Colorado border. Fire personnel have determined that an anticipated break in the windy weather pattern is not going to develop in time to meet project objectives. Forecast windspeeds will remain above the parameters set forth in the prescribed fire plan. 

“Our fire managers are constantly evaluating weather and fuels conditions,” said Conejos Peak District Ranger Andrea Jones of the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado. “Past experience with similar burn windows has resulted in successful prescribed fires in this area. This time, we knew that we would only implement the burn if the forecasted winds did not materialize.” 

Jones expressed her gratitude to the burn boss for investing so much time and effort into preparation for this burn and being cognizant of all the elements needed to conduct a successful prescribed fire. 

Fire managers will continue to seek opportunities to conduct the Bighorn/Stateline Prescribed Fire but are doubtful that an opportunity will develop until after the monsoon subsides later in the summer. 

The Bighorn/Stateline project is being implemented in cooperation with the Rio Grande National Forest and falls within the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project boundaries.