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After careful discussion with meteorologists and fuels specialists, Carson National Forest fire crews are continuing to work toward ignitions of the Dorado/Cañada del Agua Prescribed Fire tomorrow morning (map). The public can expect to see smoke south of Tres Piedras, NM, and west of U.S. Route 285. Please do not call 911. 

“As the final decision maker for this project, I am considering new information as it comes in,” said District Ranger Angie Krall, who is also the agency administrator for the prescribed fire. “I have no problem postponing ignitions, even minutes before, if adverse information comes to light.” 

The latest National Weather Service Spot weather forecast for Wednesday at the prescribed fire location calls for surface winds out of the west, starting at 5 to 8 mph in the morning and increasing to 10 to 16 mph in the afternoon, with excellent smoke dispersal. The minimum humidity is forecasted to be 15 to 19 percent. Krall and fire personnel will review an updated Spot forecast, which will be available online, in the morning before considering final approval for ignitions.  

To maintain resiliency, fire-adapted forests in the Southwest must undergo fire disturbance on a regular basis. Prescribed fire removes duff, dead leaves and pine needles that contribute to fuel loading. It also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees and improves habitat for wildlife. 

After a prescribed fire is completed, if a future wildfire reaches the area, the fire behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire making it safer for firefighters to engage. 

The public can keep updated with prescribed fire operations at InciWeb, the forest’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) and by phone at 505-418-1038.