Wester Fire Postponed Til Thursday

The Wester Prescribed burn that had been scheduled for today has been postponed due to the detection of the Rooster Fire. The Rooster Fire was spotted Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. It is located on the top of the Manzano Mountains around the Crest Trail and Gallo Peak. It is believed to be about 1 acre in size at this time. Firefighters from the Mt. Taylor Hotshots along with Mountainair Ranger District Personnel have begun hiking to the fire and will work on suppression throughout the day.

The Wester Prescribed Burn is tentatively rescheduled for tomorrow. This is all dependent on the successful containment of the Rooster Fire as well as continued cooperation of the weather. You may reply or call me at the Mountainair Ranger District with any questions at 505-847-2990.

Rooster Fire Detected - Mountainair Ranger District

Rooster Fire Detected on the

Mountainair Ranger District

Approximately 17 Fire personnel from the Mountainair Ranger District as well as the Mt. Taylor Hot Shots and Apache Kid fire crew are working on suppression of the Rooster Fire which was detected Tuesday afternoon. The Rooster fire is approximately 5-6 acres in size and is burning in mixed conifer. It is located in an extremely rugged area just west of the Manzano Crest Trail near Gallo Peak. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time but we do know there was a lightning storm that passed through this area on Friday, September 28.

Weather challenges are expected this afternoon on the West side of the Manzano Mountains as a front moves through the area. The winds are predicted to gust to up to 40mph with low relative humidities. Wind conditions should improve after today with a cold front expected to raise humidities through the weekend. A helicopter has been brought in to aid firefighters in shuttling gear, food and water to this very remote and rugged part of the mountain.

The Wester (A1) Prescribed Burn that was planned for today has been postponed. A decision will be made later today as to if and when the burn will occur. Members of the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) Veterans Green Corps who are currently on the Mountainair Ranger District to assist with the Wester Burn will remain in place and could assist in the fire suppression efforts of the Rooster Fire if necessary. They are currently working on reinforcing fire lines on prescribed burn areas planned for later in the fall and winter.

For further information about the Rooster Fire or the Wester (A1) Prescribed Burn, please contact the Mountainair Ranger district at 505-847-2990 or email atperea@fs.fed.us. (Torrance County)

Mountainair Ranger District Plans Prescribe Burn

Mountainair Ranger District Plans Prescribe Burn

Mountainair, NM – September 26, 2012. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Mountainair Ranger District is planning a prescribed burn in the Manzano Mountains. The Wester (A1) Prescribed Burn will encompass approximately 16 acres located on the south side of Forest Road 275 and north of the Thunderbird private property. The goal of this project is to improve watershed and wildlife biodiversity and to protect private property in the event of a wildfire.

Mountainair Ranger District fire staff has been closely monitoring fuel moisture conditions and weather patterns. If conditions remain favorable, the prescribed burn will occur on Wednesday, October 3, 2012. Fire management crews will monitor the burn for as long as necessary after ignition to ensure public safety.

Members of the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) Veterans Green Corps will assist Forest Service personnel in the prescribed burn. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands is partnering with the SCC to provide veterans with land management and wildland firefighting training experience.

During the prescribed burn, NFS Roads 275 and 422 will have temporary road signs warning about smoke and activity on the roads and some light smoke may observed in the area. Additional fire vehicles will be in the area patrolling and monitoring the roads. Please drive carefully when on these roads, as visibility might be lowered due to smoke.

If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505.847.2990 or e-mail Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us.

Jungle Prescribed Burn - Planned for Mid-November

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know we are planning on completing the Jungle Prescribed Burn tomorrow weather permitting.  If you have any questions please give the office a call Thank you

Jungle Prescribe Burn

Planned for Mid-November

     Mountainair, NM – November 15, 2011: Mountainair Ranger District Fire Officials are planning on continuing their Prescribed Burn program. Fire Officials have been monitoring weather conditions and fuel moisture conditions. With the current moisture levels they plan to complete the Jungle Prescribed Burn in the Manzano Mountains this week.
     The burn will be on National Forest lands located East of Forest Road #422, North of Forest Road #275 and west of the Forest Road #522. District Fire personnel are watching weather patterns closely and hope to accomplish burning approximately 186 acres some time during the next week to two weeks. The purpose of the burn is to improve watershed and wildlife biodiversity as well as to reduce current fuel loadings and lessen the threat of wildfire to private property. The burn will be conducted only if fire personnel are available and weather patterns are conducive to burning.

     If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505-847-2990 or email Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us.

-end-

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

4 Cords of Wood for $20 - Fuelwood Permits Are Back!

For Immediate Release                               Contact: Karen Lessard, District Ranger

Phone: 505.847.2990; e-mail: klessard@fs.fed.us

Mountainair Ranger District

Offering Fuelwood Permits

Mountainair, NM – October 26, 2011:  The Mountainair Ranger District will resume selling personal fuelwood permits beginning on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 8am.  Permits will be a maximum/minimum of 4 cords for $20 and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.  Citizens who bought permits during our first round of fuelwood sales will not be eligible to buy permits for the first 3 days as the demand for first time purchasers is too high.  Permits will only be sold at the Mountainair Ranger District.  A photo ID will be necessary and the public will not be allowed to buy permits for others.  The permits will be for dead/down Ponderosa Pine within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management Area. 

If you have questions regarding personal fuelwood or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions please call 505-847-2990 or email D’Ana Riley at dlriley@fs.fed.us.  You may also check the website at www.fs.usda.gov/cibola/mountainair.

-end-

East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn Sucessful

Posted from an email received:

Just a short note to let you all know that the East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn that was conducted yesterday was fully successful. An area of approximately 70 acres was previously thinned. We were unable to complete this burn last winter due to the lack of moisture. We re-entered the area yesterday to burn the remaining slash. The burn met all objectives from improving wildlife habitat to lessoning the threat of wildfire to private property. This is the first of several broadcast burns planned this fall and winter. We will be continuing to look for burning windows to continue with our prescribed burning program. More to follow…

Please pass this note along to anyone interested. Also, if anyone else wishes to be added to our District Fire Information Email list, please respond to this email. (atperea@fs.fed.us)

 Thanks - Arlene

Website: http://fs.usda.gov/cibola

Arlene T. Perea
Recreation Tech.
Mountainair Ranger District
P.O. Box 69
Mountainair, NM 87036
(w) 505-847-2990
(f) 505-847-2238

East Thunderbird Prescribe Burn, Planned for Mid-October

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Thunderbird Prescribe Burn

Planned for Mid-October

Mountainair, NM – October 7, 2011:  Fire officials on the Mountainair Ranger District have been monitoring fuel moisture conditions. With the current moisture levels they plan to complete the East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn in the Manzano Mountains within the next few weeks, possibly as early as next week.

The burn will be on National Forest lands in a forest area locally known as the Thunderbird area.  This area was thinned within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area.  The portion to be burned is located on the south side of Forest Road #275 and west of the Thunderbird Private Property.  District Fire personnel are watching weather patterns closely and hope to re-enter this area sometime during the next week to two weeks to finish burning approximately 75 acres.  The purpose of the burn is to improve watershed and wildlife biodiversity as well as to reduce current fuel loadings and lessen the threat of wildfire to private property.  The burn will be conducted only if fire personnel are available and weather patterns are conducive to burning.

If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505-847-2990 or email Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us.

Mountainair District Fire Engine A Total Loss - Crews Safe

For Immediate Release
Contact: Arlene Perea
Phone: 505.847.2990


Mountainair District Fire Engine Burned Up on Texas Fire, All Crew Members Safe

Engine 401 A Total Loss

Mountainair, NM, August 24, 2011 – On Thursday, August 18, Engine 401 and its crew from the Mountainair Ranger District were involved in an incident near Henderson, Texas. While supporting dozer operations on the Bowles Creek Bottom Fire, the three person engine crew was engaged in holding operations behind the dozer. As line construction efforts neared the northwestern corner of the fire, a wind shift associated with an active thunderstorm occurred over the fire area. This wind shift caused a significant increase in fire behavior, and motivated the Engine Boss to reposition his engine. As the engine was backed away from the fire’s edge, both of the front wheels settled into the ground and the engine became stuck. The dozer worked quickly to pull the engine out, and after several unsuccessful attempts, a dozer line was built around the engine. As the dozer worked, engine crewmembers attempted to extinguish spot fires beneath the engine, and as these spot fires grew, the pump quit running. After a number of tries to restart the pump, each with no luck, the engine’s fire extinguisher was deployed to contain fire burning under the engine’s chassis with only minimal success. At this point, with all engine protection options exhausted, the Engine Boss elected to depart the area due to extremely heavy smoke, building radiant heat, and increasing spot fire activity in the area surrounding the engine. The engine crew walked a short distance down their escape route to a predetermined safety zone. No crewmembers were injured. The Type 6 Engine burned to a total loss.

Our firefighters work very hard and we here on the Mountainair Ranger District are extremely proud and grateful that our crew returned to us safely from Texas. Firefighter and public safety remain top priorities on all of our crews. Our crew acted reasonably, responsibly and most importantly, safely. This is an all to close reminder that our firefighters face extreme dangers every time they respond to a fire. Actions by the Crew Boss and crew were not able to save the engine, but most importantly, everyone returned home to their families this week. Another 3 person crew is tentatively scheduled to depart to Texas on Thursday to replace the returning crew.

#####

Thanks - Arlene

Website: http://fs.usda.gov/cibola

AIR QUALITY ALERT

Sent by Arelen Perea, Mountainair Ranger District: 

On the last link to AZ Central that I sent you about the fire growth, you must click on the forward button down on the bottom left hand side of the link to see the changes every day. Here's the link once more.  http://www.azcentral.com/news/wildfires/wallow/wallow-fire-timeline.php

Air quality from the National Weather Service

AIR QUALITY ALERT MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBUQUERQUE NM
555 AM MDT THU JUN 9 2011



THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE NEW MEXICO
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.



THE WALLOW FIRE NEAR ALPINE ARIZONA REMAINS VERY ACTIVE...
ESPECIALLY DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING HOURS WHEN WIND SPEEDS
PICK UP AND RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST. AN EXTENSIVE
PLUME OF SMOKE IS LIKELY TO OCCUR AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

THE DENSEST SMOKE WILL LIKELY STRETCH FROM THE RED HILL AND QUEMADO
AREAS IN NORTHWEST CATRON COUNTY...THROUGH SOUTHERN CIBOLA AND
NORTHERN SOCORRO COUNTIES AND INTO VALENCIA COUNTY. THE SMOKE PLUME
IS NOT EXPECTED TO STRETCH AS FAR NORTHWARD AS IN PREVIOUS DAYS...AND
THE GREATEST IMPACT IS EXPECTED ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 40.

SMOKE WILL LIKELY SETTLE INTO MUCH OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER RIO GRANDE
VALLEY. VISIBILITIES MAY BE REDUCED TO BELOW 3 MILES ALONG THE
INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR BETWEEN ALBUQUERQUE AND SOCORRO...WITH
LOCALIZED VISIBILITIES AS LOW AS 1 MILE. AS A REMINDER...VISIBILITIES
OF THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE OR LESS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HAZARDOUS AIR
QUALITY. THIS MEANS THE AIR QUALITY IS UNSAFE FOR ALL PERSONS. REDUCE
EXPOSURE TO THE DANGEROUS SMOKE CONDITIONS.

THE MURPHY AND HORSESHOE 2 FIRES BURNING IN SOUTHEAST ARIZONA
ARE ALSO PRODUCING SMOKE PLUMES EACH AFTERNOON. TODAY...THE
SMOKE FROM THESE FIRES MAY AFFECT SOCORRO...AND LINCOLN COUNTIES.

ALTHOUGH VISIBILITIES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE REDUCED AS MUCH AS AREAS
DOWNSTREAM OF THE WALLOW FIRE...A NOTICEABLE HAZE AND REDUCTION IN
VISIBILITY IS LIKELY...INCLUDING AROUND RUIDOSO.

THOSE WITH RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES OR ISSUES SHOULD AVOID USING THEIR
SWAMP COOLERS AND SHOULD STAY INDOORS. THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT WHEN SMOKE LEVELS ARE HIGH...THE USE OF
ANYTHING THAT BURNS SUCH AS CANDLES...FIREPLACES..OR GAS STOVES...IS
DISCOURAGED.

THE AIR QUALITY BUREAU OF THE NEW MEXICO ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT
AND THE FOREST SERVICE OPERATE AIR QUALITY MONITORS ACROSS THE
STATE. IF AIR QUALITY DATA ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR YOUR LOCATION...
ESTIMATES OF THE AIR QUALITY CAN BE DETERMINED USING THE VISIBILITY.

IF SMOKE REDUCES VISIBILITY TO 3 TO 5 MILES...THE AIR QUALITY IS
UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE PEOPLE. VISIBILITIES OF LESS THAN TWO AND
ONE HALF MILES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS FOR ALL.

Fire Information Site

It's come to my attention that many people are not aware of the Inciweb site. This is a great site that can be used to get fire information for large fires. Only significant fires larger than 100 acres are usually entered in this site. I have received many questions regarding the Wallow Fire in Arizona. This site can probably give you better information than I can. It has maps and photos as well as a whole lot of other incident information. The link is:  http://www.inciweb.org/


Of course I just checked the link and the site seems to be up and down but hopefully it will be up and running again shortly because it's a very informative site. I'm sure the issue is that it is getting lots of hits with the current fire activity in the Southwest. It still has some glitches (obviously) but is overall pretty good.

Also, just a reminder, we are EXTREMELY DRY! You should not be conducting any activities outdoors that could create a spark. Today is a RED FLAG DAY. This basically means very hot, very dry and very windy. PLEASE BE CAREFUL! For any questions regarding restrictions on private property, see http://www.nmforestry.com/.

Thanks - Arlene

Arlene T. Perea
Recreation Tech.
Mountainair Ranger District
P.O. Box 69
Mountainair, NM 87036
(w) 505-847-2990
(f) 505-847-2238

Smoke Wrapping Around the Manzano Mountains

We are getting lots of calls in the office as well as Albuquerque Dispatch. As near as we can tell, the smoke everyone is experiencing seems to be smoke from both the Gila as well as the Horseshoe Fire in AZ that is drifting then wrapping around the Manzano's. This morning most of it was drifting south of Mountainair. If anyone knows that there is an actual fire, please contact the appropriate agencies or 911, but again, we have not located any fires on our district and believe it to be drifting from the west.

Thanks - Arlene

Arlene T. Perea
Recreation Tech.
Mountainair Ranger District
P.O. Box 69
Mountainair, NM 87036
(w) 505-847-2990
(f) 505-847-2238

Red Flag Warnings and Recommendations

I thought this information was important enough to post alone and a second time.  Please be careful with fire - we don't want to see any more of our family, friends, and neighbors burned out!

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.

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

Prescribed Burning To Continue on the Mountainair Ranger District

Mountainair, NM – November 30, 2010:   With the shot of precipitation received on the Manzano’s this week, the Mountainair Ranger District will be planning to continue the East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn.


The burn will be in a forest area locally known as the Thunderbird area. This area was thinned within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area. The remaining portion to be burned is located on the south side of Forest Road #275. District Fire personnel are watching weather patterns closely and hope to re-enter this area the week of December 6-11 to finish burning approximately 70 acres. The burn will be conducted only if and when weather patterns and available fire personnel are conducive to burning and all fire management objectives can be met.


If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505-847-2990 or email Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us



###END###

Fall Prescribed Burning To Begin on the Mountainair Ranger District

Mountainair, NM – October 25, 2010: As fall colors come to an end and temperatures drop, it’s time for the Mountainair Ranger District to continue its prescribed burning program. According to District Fire Management Officer, Mark Bernal, the district currently has two burns planned.

Currently there are 2 burns planned on the district. The first burn is the East Thunderbird Prescribed Burn. The East Thunderbird burn began last winter, but due to early winter precipitation was not completed. The fall conditions have given us the opportunity to reenter the 190 acre area and attempt to complete the burn.

The burn will be in a forest area locally known as the Thunderbird area. This area was thinned within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area, along both sides of Forest Road #275. There are no set dates for the burn but district fire personnel will be watching weather patterns closely during the next few weeks to determine when it is safe and advantageous to conduct this burn. The burn will be conducted only if and when weather patterns and available fire personnel are conducive to burning.

The second burn planned is the Barranco Prescribed Burn. This burn is also within the Thunderbird Ecosystem Management area and is located South of Forest Road #275. This burn will also be conducted as weather conditions and personnel allow.

If you have questions regarding the planned prescribed burn or any other Mountainair Ranger District questions, please call 505-847-2990 or email Adrian Padilla at adrianpadilla@fs.fed.us or Arlene Perea at atperea@fs.fed.us.

Adrian Padilla - New Fire Prevention Technician, Mountainiar Ranger District

Fire Information Folks,

I'd like to take a moment to introduce Adrian Padilla, new Fire Prevention Technician on the Mountainair Ranger District. Adrian has been on the Mountainair Ranger District previously as Engine Operator. He has returned to us from Sandia and will be taking on the Prevention position. With that said, you will start receiving emails (starting today) from Adrian regarding any prescribed burning to be done on the district. I will continue to send out information as necessary, but you will be seeing more prescribed fire information from him. Adrian will also be taking on many of the prevention programs such as defensible space and Smokey programs. Please feel free to contact him or I regarding prescribed or wildfire information.

Thanks - Arlene T. Perea, Recreation Tech.
Mountainair Ranger District
P.O. Box 69
Mountainair, NM 87036
(O) 505-847-2990     (F) 505-847-2238
!!! THANKS FOR SERVING ADRIAN AND CONGRATULATIONS !!!