Potential Prescribed Fires for Early Fall Announced

New Webpage Section Launched to Provide More Information

Taking advantage of cooler temperatures, shorter days and recent moisture, Carson National Forest fire managers have determined which prescribed fires they will potentially move forward with in the first half of fall 2024. The exact timing of each will depend on specific wind, weather and fuel moisture conditions. Ignition notifications will be released up to 72 to 24 hours in advance.

“With summer behind us, we’re excited to get back to work on this critical work to improve forest health and resilience,” said Fuels and Fire Staff Officer Brent Davidson. “This year we’re launching a new website section to offer more information about prescribed fire, including what we’re doing differently to improve safety, local fire ecology and smoke readiness.”

Fire crews and contractors spent the summer preparing dozens of prescribed fire units across the forest by building and clearing brush along planned control lines. Fire crews will use understory and jackpot burning in the early fall throughout the forest, between Valle Vidal to Ojo Sarco on the east side and from Tres Piedras to Canjilon on the west side. A full list of potential prescribed fires is available online.

When persistent rain or snow falls, fire crews will pivot to pile burning. A list of pile burning locations will be released later.

All projects are part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce the threat of wildfire to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources.

• The Enchanted Circle on the east side of the forest, where high-risk firesheds are found, is one of the 21 priority landscapes in the nation.
• The Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project on the west side is a priority within the Southwest, protecting forest communities and increasing the health of the watershed, which serves millions of people downstream.

Residents and visitors interested in ignition notices can sign up for the forest news release list by emailing mailroom_r3_carson@usda.gov with a request. Announcements are also posted to social media (Facebook, X) and New Mexico Fire Information.