Santa Fe, N.M - October 3rd, 2024 – In New Mexico, the fall season traditionally marks the beginning of prescribed burning operations by various land management agencies and private landowners. During this period, the public can anticipate increased visibility of smoke in certain areas as fuel treatment activities are implemented. These controlled burns are part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risk of wildfires and enhance ecosystem resilience. By reducing hazardous fuel loads and restoring natural fire regimes, these efforts aim to safeguard communities and promote long-term ecological health across the state's diverse landscapes.

By conducting prescribed burns, land management agencies are taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of wildfires and protect both communities and natural resources. Numerous prescribed burn projects are currently underway across New Mexico, and detailed information about these initiatives can be accessed through the following links.

For multi-agency prescribed fire and wildfire alerts visit: www.nmfireinfo.com 
Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resource Department (EMNR) Forest Action Plan: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forest-action-plan/ 
For cooperative land management efforts between the BLM and the Forest Service visit: https://forestsandrangelands.gov/

It is crucial for the public, particularly individuals sensitive to smoke and those engaging in outdoor recreation on public lands, to stay informed about the timing and location of these controlled burns. Awareness of these activities ensures safety and minimizes disruptions while supporting essential fire management and ecological restoration efforts.

Prescribed Burning: A Crucial Strategy for Wildfire Mitigation and Ecosystem Health in New Mexico

Prescribed burning, also referred to as controlled burning, involves the deliberate application of fire under carefully controlled conditions to specific areas of land. This strategic reduction of vegetative fuel loads significantly lowers the potential for uncontrolled, high-intensity wildfires. When left unchecked, the accumulation of dead vegetation, fallen branches, and dense undergrowth creates conditions that fuel catastrophic wildfires, particularly during the dry and windy seasons prevalent in New Mexico.

By methodically reducing this buildup, prescribed burns create "firebreaks" or defensible spaces that disrupt the spread of wildfire, enhancing the ability of firefighters to protect residential and commercial properties, as well as vital infrastructure.

The growing frequency of extreme weather events, coupled with prolonged periods of drought, has intensified the vulnerability of New Mexico's forests and grasslands. Land management agencies, recognizing these evolving risks, are increasingly integrating prescribed fire into their long-term planning efforts, protecting not just individual communities but the wider landscape.

Restoring Ecosystem Health and Functionality

Beyond its role in wildfire prevention, prescribed burning is integral to the ecological health and functionality of New Mexico's forested, desert, and grassland ecosystems. Many of these ecosystems have evolved alongside periodic natural fires, which historically helped regulate the density of vegetation, promote the regeneration of fire-adapted plant species, and maintain biodiversity. However, decades of fire suppression policies have led to unnaturally dense forests and a decline in ecological resilience.

Prescribed burns help to thin overgrown forests, reducing competition for water and nutrients among trees, which is particularly important in drought-stressed environments. Furthermore, the heat generated by prescribed burns can break down organic matter, releasing nutrients into the soil and promoting new growth of grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation critical to the region's wildlife. By maintaining open areas within forests, burns also promote the habitat of species such as elk, deer, and certain birds that depend on these conditions for survival.

Additionally, prescribed burns can play an important role in reducing the spread of invasive species and ensuring the long-term health of watersheds, which is vital for water quality and availability in both urban and rural areas.

Ensuring Safety and Environmental Compliance

The execution of prescribed burns is a highly technical and regulated process. Before a burn is conducted, extensive planning occurs, which includes an evaluation of weather patterns, topography, fuel moisture levels, and potential impacts on nearby communities. Fire management teams use advanced modeling tools to predict fire behavior and smoke dispersal, ensuring that burns are conducted under optimal conditions to minimize risks.

The Guild and the Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network are working with the Santa Fe, Cibola and Carson National Forests, New Mexico Forestry Division, New Mexico Coalition of Conservation Districts, National Park ServiceNational Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue in 2024 a wildfire preparedness calendar and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.