Ignitions Return to Alamosa Unit 1, Test Firing Continues in Valle Vidal

Fire crews are back on scene of both prescribed fire projects currently in progress on the Carson National Forest. Here’s the latest.

ALAMOSA UNIT 1 (RIO ARRIBA COUNTY)

With an improved ventilation rate, fire crews are moving forward with ignitions on up to 500 acres. They plan to complete blackline around the entire 4,500-acre unit boundary. Blackining is pre-burning fuels along the control line, in this case roads, before interior areas are treated. The blackline is usually up to 100 feet deep.

Smoke is expected to push southwest and May be noticeable in El Rito, Abiquiu and nearby areas. Check the Fire and Smoke Map for local air quality and protective actions.

Once completed, ignitions can continue on the remainder of the unit’s interior on future days as weather and ventilation allow.

2,100 acres have been completed to date.

Go to InciWeb for more.

McCRYSTAL ROCK UNIT (VALLE VIDAL)

Fire crews are back on scene today for another test burn, this time estimated to be 10-15 acres (yesterday’s test burn was about three acres). If all goes well, crews will potentially move forward with ignitions Monday, most likely only treating a portion of the remaining 2,333 acres.

4,000 acres of the 6,333-acre unit were treated with prescribed fire in October. The remaining acres are located north of Forest Road 1950 between a half mile east of McCrystal Campground and Windy Gap.

Go to InciWeb for more information.

Update: This post was updated after publish to give more smoke information.

(Photo: A crew member managing a firing team on the Alamosa Unit 1 Prescribed Fire talks to others)