Fire within the Manzano Land Grant Raises Awareness

Mountainair Ranger District fire personnel along with several volunteer fire departments including Torreon, McIntosh, Estancia, Moriarty and Bernalillo County responded to a structure and brush fire yesterday within the Manzano Land Grant. The fire burned approximately 3-5 acres along with a couple of structures in the Manzano creek drainage area.

This is a good reminder that conditions out on the forest and beyond continue to be very dry. Fire danger indices on the Mountainair Ranger District have now hit the HIGH level and signs were changed yesterday morning to indicate this change. Everyone is encouraged to take EXTRA precautions with any outdoor fires or burning during this very dry time. Please remember that all burning on state land within Torrance County must be cleared through Torrance County Dispatch prior to any ignitions. You may call 505-384-2706 (non-emergency line) to find out what burning restrictions may be in place for the day. Persons caught illegally burning could face anything from a warning to a fine ranging from $50 to reimbursement for the cost to fight the fire.

Also, please note that we are under a RED FLAG WARNING today. Please read the following note from Karen Takai regarding these conditions...

During RED FLAG WARNING we recommend the following:

     No Campfires, No Smoking Outside, No Welding, No Brush Burning


Red Flag Warnings and Recommendations

A Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch is issued by the National Weather Service for windy or dry weather that could promote large wildfires should an ignition occur. Typically fire response agencies increase fire prevention and suppression staffing levels during these periods. These warnings usually last for just a few days until the conditions change or subside. A Red Flag Warning does not necessarily mean that the Forest is closed to the public.

The factors that create the issuance of a red flag warning are sustained winds 15 mph or greater and relative humidity less than or equal to 25%. These factors greatly increase the possibility of large wildfires.

Even though fire restrictions might not be in place it is recommended that all campfires and open flames are extinguished until the red flag conditions are lifted and smoking be inside vehicles or buildings.

For further information on fire danger, contact Adrian Padilla or Arlene Perea at 505-847-2990 or email adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or atperea@fs.fed.us .


Adrian Padilla
Fire Prevention Tech
Mountainair Ranger District
Cibola National Forest
Ph: 505-847-2990
Fx: 505-847-2238
E-mail: adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us