Fire Crews Plan Prescribed Fire Near Ojo Sarco, N.M.

Carson National Forest fire crews are preparing to begin ignitions on the Ojo Sarco Prescribed Fire as early as Nov. 4. The exact timing of ignitions will depend on wind, weather, fuel moisture conditions and required approvals.

The 391-acre prescribed fire unit is located along Highway 76 and a southeast portion of the Ojo Sarco community. An interactive map and more information is available online.

Fire managers estimate that ignitions will occur over two to three days, which may not be consecutive.

The prescribed fire area is completely surrounded by control line and has been a site for public greenwood cutting, thinning and dead and down fuelwood collection for several years. Pile burning occurred in 2023.

When wildfires encounter areas treated with fire, behavior typically moderates in ways that increase the safety of first responders, allow for community protection and result in better resource protection outcomes, including for tree survival and watershed protection.

Crews will apply fire to the understory of a ponderosa pine stand, 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.

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.

Get Updates

• Daily updates will be available online once ignitions begin.
• The public can sign up for future email notices about prescribed fires and more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/carson/keep-in-touch.