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How a “dirty burn” affects wildfire containment percentage

Wildfire perimeters aren’t always easy to define. When drawn on a public map, they are often depicted as one simple line to describe the outermost bounds of the area that is burning. However, fire may not burn evenly throughout the interior of that fire, so things might look quite different on the ground. The reasons […]

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Ojo de los Casos Fire 10% Contained

Mountainair, NM – For Immediate Release – Firefighters continue to make progress in their work to contain the Ojo de los Casos Fire that has been active over the past couple of days. The fire, burning on the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest has reached 180 acres and is 10% contained. Containment […]

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Ojo de Los Casos Fire Burning Near Dog Head Fire Scar

Mountainair, NM – For Immediate Release – The Ojo de los Casos Fire started on the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest on Wednesday July 8, 2020 around 6:00 pm. It is located in Torrance County, roughly 7 miles southwest of the village of Chilili. Firefighters quickly responded with air support (water, fire […]

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Cibola NF & National Grasslands – Vics Peak Fire Containment Increases

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 11,713 acres, with 98 personnel assigned. A local district fire management team will begin today managing the Vics Peak Fire. The chance for moderate fire weather conditions will continue […]

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Observe Firework Restrictions to Prevent Wildfires

As you celebrate this Independence Day, remember that fireworks are prohibited on all federal lands and many other jurisdictions in New Mexico. Check with your local fire department and at firerestrictions.us/nm.   With the dry conditions we’re experiencing, it only takes one spark for the entire holiday to go up in smoke! #PreventWildfires #NMFire #RecreateResponsibly

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Elevated Fire Weather May Increase Activity on Vics Peak Fire Today

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to 8,072 acres, with 165 personnel assigned. Dry thunderstorm activity will continue today over the fire area. Outflow drafts from these storms could cause gusty and erratic […]

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Suppression Strategy on Vics Peak Fire Focused on Safety

Magdalena, NM – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Vics Peak Fire, burning on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest since June 15, has grown to an estimated 6,729 acres, with 121 personnel assigned. The slight decrease in acreage from yesterday is due to improved mapping. Yesterday, the fire received gusty winds […]

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Fire Restrictions Still In Effect in NM, June 22, 2020

As you plan your summer activities, Know Before You Go and check for specific fire restrictions for the area you plan to visit on FireRestrictions.us/nm. Campfires are restricted but there are fun alternatives you can check out. Today, the BLM issued a press release nationally asking for everyone’s help in the prevention of wildfires.  Whether […]

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What is a Red Flag Warning?

This week’s Wildfire Wednesdays from FACNM discusses Red Flag Warnings and how to find out when one is in effect.  Remember that while these are special National Weather Service designations indicating weather conditions with potential for extreme burning, almost any given day in NM can be hot, dry and windy, so always be cautious with […]

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Vics Peak Fire on the Magdalena Ranger District – 06/17/2020

Magdalena, NM; June 17, 2020 – For Immediate Release.  The Vics Peak Fire, in the Apache Kid Wilderness, San Mateo Mountains, located on the Magdalena Ranger District, is a lightning caused fire that began Monday, June 15, 2020, at approimately 10 acres.  Resources include one Wildland Fire Module, and 1 Type 6 Engine. This fire […]

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BLM Las Cruces District – Uvas Fire – June 12th Morning Update

Location:  Uvas Mountains on BLM Land, approximately 11 miles SW of Hatch, NM and 18 miles N of Interstate 10 between Deming and Las Cruces, NM. Date detected:  June 6, 2020   Cause:  Lightning   Vegetation:  Grass, Brush, Pinon, Juniper Current size: 1,135 acres (increase of 5 acres from previous reports is due to more accurate mapping) […]

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This Memorial Day: Recreate Safely to Prevent Wildfires

Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: We all need your help to prevent wildfires this summer. The statewide average of human-caused wildfires in New Mexico is 48% of all wildfires and most of these fires can be prevented. Don’t drag chains, check spark arrestors on vehicles and equipment and for information about preventing wildfires over Memorial Day Weekend, […]

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Do Your Part, Don’t Let Wildfires Start

Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Firefighters and first responders are needed more than ever to keep America safe. Prevent wildfires by following fire restrictions, postponing debris burning, and using campfire alternatives. #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm

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This Memorial Day – Know Before You Go

Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Know Before You Go! Before you make plans to have any smores over the campfire check for current fire restrictions.  For more information, call the Fire Restrictions Hotline: 1-877-864-6985 or visit https://firerestrictions.us/nm/. #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm

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Hardening Your Home from Wildfire

Take time to make your property more resistant to wildfire. Research shows that reducing flammable material around homes and “hardening your home” before a fire occurs, will greatly improve your outcome in the event of a wildfire and keep firefighters safe. If you missed the recent webinar on the Home Ignition Zone and steps you […]

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News from Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network: May 14, 2020

https://facnm.org/news/2020/5/13/wildfire-wednesdays-7 In case you missed it, be sure to check out this week’s Wildfire Wednesday from Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico (FACNM). With the sunny days and high winds this spring we’ve seen more and more Red Flag (high fire danger) days and a few wildfires starting across New Mexico. With fire danger increasing, it’s […]

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Wildfire Preparedness: May 10, 2020

#ReadyForWildfire: Let’s start a trend and reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in New Mexico. Do your part to prevent wildfires.

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Wildfire Preparedness: May 9, 2020

Vehicles and trailers can be unintentional fire starters. If you are off-roading, remember that your exhaust system can reach temperatures over 1000°F! Driving or parking over dry grass can start wildfires. Be sure your trailer is roadworthy before heading out with good tires, greased bearings, and no dragging chains – whether it’s a car, truck, […]

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Wildfire Preparedness: May 8, 2020

Here are a few reminders when target shooting on public lands: Know before you go: Is target shooting allowed in the area you will visit? Shoot in areas free of dry vegetation—and avoid shooting on hot windy days. Avoid shooting hard objects: bullet fragments can be extremely hot and can easily start a grass fire. […]

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Wildfire Preparedness: May 6, 2020

If you are working outdoors using equipment that creates sparks, please consider wildfire safety, especially the timing of your outdoor home projects! Working in the morning, ensuring at least 10 feet of clearance from dry vegetation, and having a shovel and fire extinguisher ready can prevent a wildfire.  #WildfirePreparednessWeek #ReadyForWildfire

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