Fire Managers Call All Prescribed Fires Out

All prescribed fires ignited last fall and winter are now out, according to Carson National Forest fire managers. Fire crews have been patrolling and monitoring the fires since they were lit between October and January. While no fire or smoke has been seen for months, they used infrared technology, either handheld infrared cameras or uncrewed aerial systems, commonly referred to as drones, at all project sites to make sure no heat remains in burn areas. 

A video and photo of the infrared tools are available in the public email newsletter about this announcement.

“Since the National Prescribed Fire Program Review in 2022, our protocol has been to keep tabs on these burn areas for longer periods of time with more thoroughness than in years past,” said Fire and Fuels Staff Officer Brent Davidson. 

Fire crews conducted 10 prescribed fires last fall and winter, treating over 7,000 acres across the forest. Accomplishments include reducing the threat of wildfire to communities and collaborating across boundaries. Some highlights include: 

• After thinning and pile burning in previous years, crews conducted the 1,350-acre La Jara Prescribed Fire directly adjacent to Taos Pines Ranch, a Firewise USA community near Angel Fire. The work reduces the threat of a wildfire approaching the community and the headwaters of the Rio Fernando de Taos, a critical water source for Taos.
• The 2,365-acre Sotano Prescribed Fire gave more depth to previous fuels reduction efforts near Vallecitos (Rio Arriba County), reducing the threat of a fire approaching the community from the west. It’s part of a nearly 14,000-acre contiguous area with recent fire history.
• Because fire knows no boundaries, crews collaborated with staff from Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, for the 1,871-acre North Hart Prescribed Fire in the Valle Vidal. It was the first prescribed fire for the Carson National Forest that occurred on forest and privately owned land. The work is part of a 25,000-acre contiguous area where fire has been reintroduced. 

No prescribed fires are currently scheduled this spring. Fire managers will continue to look for opportunities after peak wildfire season concludes.