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.

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.