Prescribed Fire Planned Near Tres Piedras, N.M.

Carson National Forest fire crews are preparing to begin ignitions on the Lamy/Barela Prescribed Fire near Tres Piedras, N.M., as early as Oct. 22. The exact timing of ignitions will depend on wind, weather, fuel moisture conditions and required approvals.

The 10,172-acre burn unit is located north of Tres Piedras off Forest Service roads 82, 133, 167,167A and 576. A map and more information are available online.

Crews will conduct an understory burn in grasslands, meadows and forested areas, targeting fuels on the forest floor, such as grasses, forbs, leaf litter, downed branches and brush. It may fully burn occasional single trees or stands, which will help create an open canopy.

Clearing areas of dense understory and opening the canopy creates more wildlife corridors and encourages growth of additional forage for grazing species (deer, elk) and cattle, reducing pressure on grasslands in the area.

Overall, regular fire helps restore many of the forest’s ecosystems and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting Tres Piedras and local watersheds.

Smoke

Unlike large wildfires, prescribed fires are short-term in duration and planned with advance notice. Staff coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department to conduct ignitions on days when smoke impacts are minimized.

Nonetheless, smoke will be present and may settle in some local or farther out areas in the evenings and overnight.

Taking care of your health is important as smoke can affect everyone. And preparing for prescribed fire helps you become smoke-ready for wildfires, when smoke abruptly shows up and can last longer. Smoke-ready tips are available online.

A limited number of HEPA air filters are available for smoke-sensitive members of the public to borrow during ignitions. Call 575-581-4554 for availability.

Get Updates

Daily updates will be available online once ignitions begin.