October 16, 2026 
Taos, N.M., October 15, 2026—Taking advantage of cooler temperatures, shorter days and recent moisture, Carson National Forest fire crews are looking to begin ignitions on the Comanche-Powderhouse Prescribed Fire on the western side of Valle Vidal Saturday October 17.
The Comanche Unit is 5,318 acres in size and ignitions could last up to five days depending on conditions. Ignitions will be implemented using a combination of ground and aerial resources, including a helicopter. Portions of the 8,288 acre Powderhouse Unit could be implemented pending completion of the Comanche Unit.
Regular fire helps restore the ecosystem and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting the recently restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a project over 20 years in the making. It also helps wildlife habitat and helps maintain productive rangelands that support local grazers.
Crews will apply fire to open grasslands and the understory of forested areas, targeting fuels on the forest floor, such as leaf litter, downed branches, and brush. The fire may fully burn single trees or stands, creating openings in the canopy.
Stay Updated
Ignition notifications for each prescribed fire are typically released a few days in advance but could be as short as a day for smaller projects. Residents and visitors interested in the notices and other forest information can sign up at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/carson/keep-in-touch.
Announcements will also be posted to the Carson National Forest’s Facebook page and nmfireinfo.com
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