On Wednesday, fire crews had another successful day on the Esquibel Prescribed Fire, treating 1,200 acres. They are back this morning to continue ignitions. 5 to 10 mph winds are expected today, according to the latest National Weather Service spot forecast. Fire managers are also using a portable remote automatic weather station, as well as […]

After a successful shift on Tuesday, fire crews this morning began a third day of ignitions on the Esquibel Prescribed Fire. The most current National Weather Service spot forecast for the area estimates winds of 5 to 10 mph. Fire managers are using a portable remote automatic weather station, as well as two permanent stations […]

Fire crews this morning began a second day of ignitions on the Esquibel Prescribed Fire to the north of Tres Piedras, N.M. The latest National Weather Service spot forecast calls for 4 to 8 mph winds throughout the day, with isolated precipitation in the area. Fire managers are using a portable remote automatic weather station […]

For the Record: An earlier version of this news release stated ignitions could begin as early as May 26. The correct date is May 27. We regret the error. Working with a meteorologist, Carson National Forest fire managers are looking for opportunities to begin the Esquibel Prescribed Fire to the north of Tres Piedras, N.M. […]

Canjilon, N.M., May 19, 2024 — Fire officials carefully considered the forecasted weather, fuel conditions, and resource availability when deciding to proceed with the Montoya Prescribed Fire that lies within the Canjilon Wildland Urban Interface Project. On May 17th, firefighters began ignitions of the 899-acre prosed unit and had 835-acres successfully completed the following day. […]

Canjilon, N.M., May 18, 2024 @ 7 p.m. — After 2 days of successful firing operations, fire officials have determined there is no need to continue with hand and aerial ignitions on the Montoya Prescribed Fire. Firefighters completed 835-acres of the proposed total 899-acre unit within the Canjilon Wildland Urban Interface Project. Today, they focused […]

Canjilon, N.M., May 18, 2024 @ 9 a.m. — Fire officials determined that yesterday’s weather was the most advantageous to begin ignitions on the Montoya Prescribed Fire near Canjilon. Firing operations went well throughout the day, and they achieved 835-acres of the proposed total 899-acre unit. Today, firefighters will continue to monitor and hold the […]

Canjilon, N.M., May 17, 2024— After careful consideration of the current and forecasted weather, as well as the fuel conditions, fire officials determined that today was the best day to begin ignitions on the Montoya Prescribed Fire within the Canjilon Wildland Urban Interface Project. At 6:20 pm tonight fire crews finished burning 835-acres of the […]

After assessing strategies for the Medio Fire, Carson National Forest fire managers decided to have crews fully contain it. The decision was based on numerous factors, including the fire’s location near the national forest boundary and prioritizing plans for prescribed fire in the nearby Montoya Unit.  The Medio Fire was caused by lightning and first […]

Fire Managers are Evaluating Management Strategies Carson National Forest fire crews are on scene monitoring the quarter-acre Medio Fire, which is east of Trout Lake Roads (#125). The fire was caused by lightning and is creeping in the understory of ponderosa pine. Smoke is currently visible from Cebolla, N.M.  Fire managers are evaluating management strategies, […]

In addition to tentative plans for prescribed fire near Canjilon, Carson National Forest fire crews are working with meteorologists to identify potential timeframes for two projects near Tres Piedras, N.M. Ignitions on the Esquibel or American Creek prescribed fires could start as early as late this week, but they will ultimately depend on weather and […]

Working in consultation with meteorologists, Carson National Forest fire crews are looking at opportunities to implement a prescribed fire east of Canjilon as early as the middle of next week. Ignitions will ultimately depend on weather and site conditions, which if unfavorable, fire managers will postpone to another season, possibly fall. “We are fortunate to […]

Carson National Forest fuels planners are preparing to possibly implement a few prescribed fire projects this spring to increase forest health and reduce the threat of fire to communities and watersheds. The exact timing of each project, or the decision to postpone to a later season, depends on weather, site conditions and available personnel. “This […]

Carson National Forest fire crews, with the support of the Ojo Sarco Volunteer and Red River fire departments, completed this season’s pile burning for the Rio Trampas Project yesterday. Piles made from approximately 180 acres of thinning in three locations (map) were treated with prescribed fire. “I really want to thank the community for their […]

Partnerships Critical to Project’s Success With snow on the ground and more forecasted later this week, fire crews are preparing to potentially begin pile burning near the High Road to Taos (Highway 76) as early as Wednesday, Jan. 31. Forest Service personnel will be supported by partners, including the Ojo Sarco Volunteer Fire Department, Taos […]

Carson National Forest fire crews are tentatively planning to begin pile burning north of Canjilon, N.M, as early as January 23. The Fuertes Piles, named after the nearby Cañada Fuertes, were made from 102 acres of thinning on Forest Service land near private land.  Work will occur off Forest Road 124 near the intersection with […]

Fire crews completed ignitions on most of the Ojo Sarco Unit today, leaving piles from just 12 acres of thinning untouched. The remaining piles are in a gully with no snow around them. Crews will continue patrolling and holding on Friday but will not conduct ignitions due to forecasted winds. The unit is completely surrounded […]

Fire crews are planning to potentially begin pile burning along Highway 76 and just south of Ojo Sarco, N.M. (map), as early as Thursday, Dec. 7. The piles were created from 137 acres of thinning.  The work is part of the Green Fuelwood Areas Project, which aims to restore forest health and resiliency next to […]

And an Update to Pile Burning Near San Cristobal and Along Hwy. 150  Fire crews are planning to potentially begin pile burning southeast of Hopewell Lake as early as Tuesday, Dec. 5. Up to 550 acres may be treated on the Willow Pile Unit, where many piles were burned last winter. Smoke may be visible […]

Fire crews are planning to potentially begin pile burning along and near Highway 150 from Valdez, N.M., to the Taos Ski Valley area as early as Friday, Dec. 1. Piles near San Cristobal, N.M., are also under consideration.  Both areas are within the wildland urban interface, where human development intermingles with the forest.  “To protect […]