Rincon and Golondrino prescribed fire update

SANTA FE N.M., Nov.21, 2023— An uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), or drone, equipped
with infrared technology (IR) flew over the Rincon prescribed fire on Nov. 20. No heat was
detected close to containment lines, but heat sources were identified in the interior of the fire
area. These heat areas pose no threat to containment lines, infrastructure, or communities and
will be monitored until no heat is detected.
Fire crews began the Rincon prescribed fire Oct. 20 and completed ignitions and secured
containment lines on Oct. 22. The Rincon prescribed fire involved 2,227 acres of hazardous fuels
located on French Mesa off Forest Road 8 in the Coyote ranger district.
Next week a UAS with IR technology will fly over the Golondrino prescribed fire on the Cuba
ranger district to determine if there are any detectable heat sources in the interior of the unit.
The 1,630 -acre Golondrino prescribed fire was ignited on Sept. 25, and firefighting personnel
continue to monitor fire activity.
According to the National Weather Service, precipitation fell on both fire areas last weekend,
with more precipitation in the forecast over the holiday weekend.
Objectives of the prescribed fires were reintroducing fire to the landscape, thereby decreasing
the chance for high-severity destructive wildfires, improving wildlife habitat by reducing juniper
in the understory which inhibits grass and forb growth necessary for forage, and protecting
sensitive cultural sites within the unit by maintaining a low-intensity fire.
The SFNF incorporates available technology like infrared sensing technology (drones and
handheld devices) as a critical tool in monitoring prescribed fires for residual heat invisible to
the naked eye. The UAS with IR will help fire personnel determine when the Golondrino and
Rincon prescribed fires are called out. A prescribed fire is determined to be out when vegetation
is no longer burning within the area.
Prescribed fire updates are posted to the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa
Fe National Forest’s Facebook page and Website.