High Temperatures Delay Prescribed Burns in New Mexico National Forests
As we enter the second week of October, many national forests in New Mexico should be fully engaged in their prescribed burn season. However, unusually high temperatures are impacting the typical burn schedule, according to KRQE News 13.
Zach Behrens, Public Affairs Officer with the Carson National Forest, emphasized the ongoing wildfire crisis affecting the western United States. With recent summers marked by devastating wildfires, this reality is painfully familiar to New Mexicans. “Wildfire is a natural part of the landscape, part of nature’s way of clearing out fuels,” noted Amanda Fry, Public Affairs Officer with the Lincoln National Forest. However, experts indicate that the severity of wildfires today is significantly greater than it was a century ago. Prescribed burns are a strategic measure to help mitigate these risks safely.
“Our wildfire crisis strategy aims to reduce the threat of wildfires by reverting their behavior to historical norms,” Behrens explained. Proper timing for prescribed burns is critical to prevent disasters like the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in 2022.
The Carson National Forest, located near Taos and Angel Fire as well as Farmington, has already commenced active prescribed burns. “Last week, we initiated the American Creek Prescribed Fire, targeting about 1,000 acres near Tres Piedras,” Behrens reported. Currently, they are focusing on leaves, pine needles, and other forest floor debris in a process called understory burning. On Monday morning, they began another 2,000-acre prescribed fire in Rio Arriba County, with more planned in the coming days.
Conversely, other national forests in the state have not yet begun their planned burns. “We’re currently experiencing higher temperatures, lower humidity, and decreased fuel and soil moisture than usual for this time of year,” said Matt Rau, Fire, Fuels, and Aviation Staff Officer with the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. As a result, the Cibola National Forest has postponed planned fires near Mountainair and in the Sandia Ranger District. “Everything is still on track; we’re just facing some delays,” Rau added.
The Santa Fe National Forest has also completed a burn in the Jemez area late last month but is on standby for four additional planned fires. “As a whole, we’re waiting to see if conditions improve for us,” said Josiah Salaz, a fuels planner with the Santa Fe National Forest.
In the Lincoln National Forest, planning phases for prescribed burns are ongoing. “While each prescribed burn plan may differ, we follow a set formula to assess safety, feasibility, and whether we’re in an optimal window for a successful burn,” Fry explained.
The New Mexico State Forester stated that the statewide prescribed burn schedule is roughly on par with previous years; however, the execution of these burns depends on various factors, including weather and fuel moisture conditions.
The State Forester outlined that safety is the primary concern. Factors that influence burn decisions include the availability of resources to manage the burn and handle contingencies, as well as favorable weather, wind, and fuel moisture conditions to ensure safe execution. Additionally, good ventilation conditions are necessary for smoke dissipation.
In response to the 2022 escaped prescribed burns that contributed to the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire, the Forest Service has implemented new policies and procedures to enhance safety. The New Mexico Forestry Division actively promotes safe prescribed burning as a means to reduce overgrown brush and trees that serve as fuel for future wildfires. Burn managers are required to be vigilant about safety and meticulously evaluate current environmental conditions and resource availability before initiating any burn.