Carson National Forest crews announced they are planning a prescribed burn to the south of Tres Piedras, beginning in mid-April if weather conditions allow.
The announcement of a prescribed burn could make people in New Mexico nervous considering what happened a year ago. A prescribed burn that went out of control resulted in the most devastating series of wildfires in the state’s history.
Forest officials said the purpose of this Dorado/Cañada del Agua Prescribed Fire is to return the forest to its natural state. The part of the mission of the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project.
“The timing of prescribed fires is important to their success,” Angie Krall, the acting district ranger for the Carson National Forest’s West Zone told KRQE. “Balance is key. Ignitions that are too early when fuels are damp may not be effective and when applied too late can develop into a high-intensity fire. As of late March, the area is largely covered in snow, but snowmelt is expected soon.”
The location of the planned burn is west of U.S. Route 285, east of Las Tablas, and north of Forest Road 578. Forest officials said the roads will be open, but the public may have limited access in some areas.
Prescribed burns are set to begin on April 17, but that start date may vary depending on weather conditions. A public meeting regarding the burns will be held from 5-6 p.m. on April 13 at the Tres Piedras Ranger Station.
A prescribed fire was successfully conducted near Hopewell Lake on Feb. 27, but a prescribed fire set for Ojo Sacro, N.M. on March 4 was postponed due to weather conditions.
With the La Niña pattern ending, the area of the prescribed burn in the Tres Piedras area is no longer in a drought. This pattern change could lessen the chance of wildfires spreading this spring season, according to KRQE.
