Massive New Mexico blaze blamed on miscalculations, errors
2 years, 6 months ago

Massive New Mexico blaze blamed on miscalculations, errors

Associated Press  

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Forest Service employees made multiple miscalculations, used inaccurate models and underestimated how dry conditions were in the Southwest, causing a planned burn to reduce the threat of wildfires to explode into the largest blaze in New Mexico’s recorded history, the agency said Tuesday. “The devastating impact of this fire to the communities and livelihoods of those affected in New Mexico demanded this level of review to ensure we understand how this tragic event unfolded,” U.S. Forest Chief Randy Moore wrote. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández called the Forest Service review incredibly disturbing, pointing to the use of outdated data to plan for the prescribed burn and the “cascade of errors” that followed. As a result of the fire, the Forest Service in May suspended prescribed burn operations across the U.S. pending its own nationwide review that will identify the need to update protocols, policies or procedures based on changing conditions due to drought and climate change.

Conditions Service New Mexico Mexico Forest Report Communities Prescribed Burn Leger Fernández  prescribed  forest  blaze  communities  burn  report  conditions  mexico  blamed  service  weather  errors  miscalculations  square  massive

History of this topic

New Mexico wildfires: FBI offers reward for information about those responsible
6 months ago

New Mexico wildfires: FBI offers reward for information about those responsible

Hindustan Times  

Federal authorities offered a reward for information about those responsible for igniting a pair of New Mexico wildfires that killed two people and destroyed hundreds of homes in the past week. The FBI on Saturday offered up to USD 10,000 for information in connection with the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire in southern New Mexico, which forced thousands to …

Rain helps 1,000 firefighters slow big New Mexico blazes as Biden approves disaster relief
6 months ago

Rain helps 1,000 firefighters slow big New Mexico blazes as Biden approves disaster relief

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — More than 1,000 firefighters in New Mexico took advantage of a break in the weather on Thursday to get the upper hand — for now — on a pair of wildfires that have killed two people, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to flee. This satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows the overview of …

At least 1 dead in New Mexico wildfire that forced thousands to flee, governor’s office says
6 months, 1 week ago

At least 1 dead in New Mexico wildfire that forced thousands to flee, governor’s office says

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Thousands of southern New Mexico residents fled a mountainous village as a wind-whipped wildfire tore through homes and other buildings, and killed at least one person. “Within an hour, the police department, the fire department, everybody’s there blocking, barricading the roads to our area and telling everybody to leave,” he said. “Thank God we were ready.” …

The big burnout: Life on the front lines of America’s wildfires
8 months ago

The big burnout: Life on the front lines of America’s wildfires

Salon  

With record-setting blazes becoming more and more common, the demands placed on wildland firefighters are greater than ever. The previous year, New Mexico experienced its biggest and second-biggest fires simultaneously — the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in the northern half of the state and the Black Fire down south. In 2022, the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire began when a federal …

US Forest Service sued over flooding deaths in the wake of New Mexico's largest recorded wildfire
1 year, 2 months ago

US Forest Service sued over flooding deaths in the wake of New Mexico's largest recorded wildfire

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Relatives of three people who …

US Forest Service burn started wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, New Mexico, agency says
1 year, 5 months ago

US Forest Service burn started wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, New Mexico, agency says

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — The U.S. Forest Service’s own prescribed burn started a sprawling 2022 wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, New Mexico, the agency acknowledged Monday in a report published after a lengthy investigation. The Cerro Pelado fire burned in dry, windy conditions across more than 60 square miles and crept within a few miles of the city of …

U.S. Forest Service burn started wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, N.M., agency says
1 year, 5 months ago

U.S. Forest Service burn started wildfire that nearly reached Los Alamos, N.M., agency says

LA Times  

The U.S. Forest Service says its own prescribed burn started a 2022 wildfire that nearly burned into Los Alamos, N.M. The Cerro Pelado fire burned across more than 60 square miles and crept within a few miles of the city of Los Alamos and its companion U.S. national security lab. Investigations traced the outbreak of the wildfire in April 2022 …

Officials warn of wildfire risk as Southwest US dries out
1 year, 8 months ago

Officials warn of wildfire risk as Southwest US dries out

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Feds send $930 million to curb ‘crisis’ of US West wildfires
1 year, 11 months ago

Feds send $930 million to curb ‘crisis’ of US West wildfires

Associated Press  

— The U.S. is directing $930 million toward reducing wildfire dangers in 10 western states by clearing trees and underbrush from national forests, the Biden administration announced Thursday, as officials struggle to protect communities from destructive infernos being made worse by climate change. You’re seeing entire neighborhoods devastated.” Vilsack said the projects announced so far will help reduce wildfire risk …

Feds send $930 million to curb 'crisis' of US West wildfires
1 year, 11 months ago

Feds send $930 million to curb 'crisis' of US West wildfires

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We need to have a …

Forest Service resumes prescribed fire program, but some fear new rules will delay projects
2 years, 3 months ago

Forest Service resumes prescribed fire program, but some fear new rules will delay projects

LA Times  

A firefighter battles the Fairview fire near Hemet recently. “But in actual practice, it’s pretty much going to shut burning down at any level significant to what needs to take place, at least in the Forest Service jurisdictions.” Prescribed burning refers to the practice of setting land alight under optimal conditions to ensure it burns at a relatively low intensity. …

Record-setting wildfire in New Mexico declared contained
2 years, 4 months ago

Record-setting wildfire in New Mexico declared contained

Associated Press  

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More than four grueling months and $300 million later, the federal government has declared the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history 100% contained, a notable milestone but just another step in what local residents and officials say will be a long journey toward recovery. Others have complained that federal officials don’t understand rural life in northern …

Ecologists say federal wildfire plans are dangerously out of step with climate change
2 years, 5 months ago

Ecologists say federal wildfire plans are dangerously out of step with climate change

NPR  

Ecologists say federal wildfire plans are dangerously out of step with climate change Enlarge this image toggle caption Mario Tama/Getty Images Mario Tama/Getty Images The federal Government Accountability Office is launching an investigation after U.S. Forest Service-controlled burns that escaped caused the largest wildfire ever recorded in New Mexico. Sponsor Message "A lot of the planning tools that fire managers …

Western wildfires force evacuations in Arizona, California
2 years, 6 months ago

Western wildfires force evacuations in Arizona, California

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The number of square miles burned …

New Mexico residents sue for information on massive wildfire
2 years, 6 months ago

New Mexico residents sue for information on massive wildfire

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Dozens of residents in a small New Mexico community impacted by massive wildfires that merged in April are suing the U.S. Forest Service over what they called a failure to provide information about the government’s role in starting the blazes. The Forest Service has acknowledged that two prescribed burns it set to clear out brush and …

New Mexico wildfire scar burn has forest officials worried
2 years, 6 months ago

New Mexico wildfire scar burn has forest officials worried

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — As more than 3,000 firefighters in northern New Mexico continued to battle the nation’s largest active wildfire Sunday, federal forest officials worried about future flash floods, landslides and destructive ash from the burn scar. A hazard assessment from the Forest Service and U.S. Geological Survey shows that some burned areas on the New Mexico fire could …

US forest service admits to starting New Mexico fire nearly the size of greater London
2 years, 6 months ago

US forest service admits to starting New Mexico fire nearly the size of greater London

The Independent  

One of the two blazes in New Mexico that combined to become the largest wildfire in the state was started by the US Forest Service, the agency has admitted. USFS said on Friday that the Calf Canyon fire started from a planned burn it set over the winter, but turned into a “sleeper fire,” that continued to smolder unnoticed. Then …

US review traces massive New Mexico fire to planned burns
2 years, 6 months ago

US review traces massive New Mexico fire to planned burns

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Two fires that merged to create the largest wildfire in New Mexico history have both been traced to planned burns set by U.S. forest managers as preventative measures, federal investigators announced Friday. Fire and law enforcement officials offered a cautious but hopeful Friday night status report, with fire behavior analyst Stewart Turner noting they need to …

Cooler weather helps firefighters battling New Mexico wildfire
2 years, 7 months ago

Cooler weather helps firefighters battling New Mexico wildfire

LA Times  

Firefighters in New Mexico who are battling the nation’s largest active wildfire said Monday that cooler weather helped them prevent the blaze from growing as nearly 3,000 firefighters worked to strengthen and increase their firebreaks. On Monday, the U.S. Forest Service released a survey of vegetation and soil damage across 118 square miles of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that …

Extreme fire threats prompt US suspension of planned burns
2 years, 7 months ago

Extreme fire threats prompt US suspension of planned burns

Associated Press  

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore cited extreme fire danger and unfavorable weather conditions Friday in announcing a suspension of all planned fire burning operations to clear brush and small trees on all national forest lands while his agency conducts a review of protocols and practices ahead of planned operations this fall. His decision came as federal …

Rain brings relief to massive, record-wildfire in New Mexico
2 years, 7 months ago

Rain brings relief to massive, record-wildfire in New Mexico

Associated Press  

Lightning sparked a few new small fires in the drought-stricken Southwest Monday but the thunderstorms brought welcome rain to the monster blaze that’s been churning for a month in New Mexico and is now the state’s largest in recorded history. “We haven’t seen rain in a really long time so that’s exciting,” San Miguel County Sheriff Chris Lopez said Monday …

Tens of thousands have evacuated their New Mexico homes as massive wildfire grows
2 years, 7 months ago

Tens of thousands have evacuated their New Mexico homes as massive wildfire grows

NPR  

Tens of thousands have evacuated their New Mexico homes as massive wildfire grows The biggest wildfire in the U.S. has been threatening homes and people in New Mexico for more than a month now. FORDHAM: That's Santa Fe National Forest ranger Steven Romero at an online meeting apologizing for letting a prescribed burn get out of control. But Ray Sanchez, …

President declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone
2 years, 7 months ago

President declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Firefighters slowed the advance of the largest wildfire in the U.S. as heavy winds relented Wednesday, while President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration that brings new financial resources to remote stretches of New Mexico devastated by fire since early April. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez announced the presidential disaster declaration during an evening briefing by …

Biden declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone
2 years, 7 months ago

Biden declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone

NPR  

Biden declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone Enlarge this image toggle caption Eddie Moore/AP Eddie Moore/AP LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Firefighters slowed the advance of the largest wildfire in the U.S. as heavy winds relented Wednesday, while President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration that brings new financial resources to remote stretches of New Mexico devastated by fire since …

Photos: US firefighters battle huge wildfires in New Mexico
2 years, 7 months ago

Photos: US firefighters battle huge wildfires in New Mexico

Al Jazeera  

Firefighters slowed the advance of huge wildfires in the US state of New Mexico as strong winds relented on Wednesday, while President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration that brings new financial resources to remote stretches of the state devastated by fire since early April. US Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez announced the presidential disaster declaration on Wednesday during an evening …

New Mexico governor seeking US disaster status for wildfire
2 years, 7 months ago

New Mexico governor seeking US disaster status for wildfire

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — New Mexico’s governor on Tuesday asked President Joe Biden to declare a disaster as firefighters scrambled to clear brush, build fire lines and spray water to keep the largest blaze burning in the U.S. from destroying more homes in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. “I have families who don’t know what the next day looks …

New Mexico wildfire prompts call for US disaster declaration
2 years, 7 months ago

New Mexico wildfire prompts call for US disaster declaration

Al Jazeera  

The governor of New Mexico has asked President Joe Biden to declare a disaster as firefighters scrambled to keep the largest blaze burning in the United States from destroying more homes in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. “I have 6,000 people evacuated, I have families who don’t know what the next day looks like, I have families who are …

Wildfires Tear Across Several States, Driven By High Winds
2 years, 7 months ago

Wildfires Tear Across Several States, Driven By High Winds

Huff Post  

— Firefighters across the country are battling multiple wildfires as tinder-dry conditions and high winds whip up flames from Arizona to Florida — including a prairie fire in rural southwestern Nebraska that has killed one person, injured at least 15 firefighters and destroyed at least six homes. A break in the weather in parts of the Midwest and West allowed …

Southwest wildfire outlook grim as flames char New Mexico
2 years, 7 months ago

Southwest wildfire outlook grim as flames char New Mexico

Associated Press  

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Bulldozers were busy Monday scraping through New Mexico’s high country as firefighters scouted more rugged terrain, looking for places where they could wield tools to dig lines that stop what has grown into the largest wildfire burning in the U.S. Nearly a dozen new large fires were reported over the weekend across the nation — four in …

Emergency declaration for multiple wildfires in New Mexico
2 years, 8 months ago

Emergency declaration for multiple wildfires in New Mexico

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Gov. One wildfire in northern New Mexico that started April 6 merged with a newer fire Saturday to form the largest blaze in the state, leading to widespread evacuations in Mora and San Miguel counties. An uncontained wind-driven wildfire in northern New Mexico that began April 17 had charred 81 square miles of ponderosa …

Fires hit Southwest, New Mexico’s season ‘dangerously early’
2 years, 8 months ago

Fires hit Southwest, New Mexico’s season ‘dangerously early’

Associated Press  

New Mexico faces a long and potentially devastating wildfire season, Gov. Hundreds of structures were lost in a growing number of wind-driven blazes across drought-stricken New Mexico, Lujan Grisham said Saturday. New Mexico as of Saturday had the most major wildfires burning of any state, though neighboring Arizona also had large fires that included one that burned 30 homes near …

Couple found dead as wildfire destroys New Mexico homes
2 years, 8 months ago

Couple found dead as wildfire destroys New Mexico homes

Al Jazeera  

The wind-driven blaze, burning for days, is believed to have killed a New Mexico couple and destroyed more than 200 homes The remains of a New Mexico couple were found near their burned home as a wind-driven wildfire charred more than 200 residences on the edge of a mountain community in the southern part of the state. Fire crews on …

US plans $50B wildfire fight where forests meet civilization
2 years, 11 months ago

US plans $50B wildfire fight where forests meet civilization

Associated Press  

— The Biden administration said Tuesday it will significantly expand efforts to stave off catastrophic wildfires that have torched areas of the U.S. West by more aggressively thinning forests around “hot spots” where nature and neighborhoods collide. “The time to act is now if we want to ultimately over time change the trajectory of these fires.” Specific projects weren’t immediately …

Impact of forest thinning on wildfires creates divisions
3 years, 2 months ago

Impact of forest thinning on wildfires creates divisions

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Firefighters and numerous studies credit intensive forest thinning projects with helping save communities like those recently threatened near Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada, but dissent from some environmental advocacy groups is roiling the scientific community. “Not only did tens of thousands of acres of recent thinning, fuel breaks, and other forest management fail to stop or …

California says federal ‘let it burn’ policy is reckless as wildfires rage out of control
3 years, 4 months ago

California says federal ‘let it burn’ policy is reckless as wildfires rage out of control

LA Times  

A firefighter sprays water while trying to stop the Sugar fire from spreading to neighboring homes in Doyle, Calif., on July 10. “In my jurisdiction, I have been super aggressive in trying to put out small,” said Scott Packwood, Cal Fire’s unit chief for the Lassen-Modoc area, where the Sugar fire eventually crossed from federal to state land. Now we …

As wildfires explode in the West, Forest Service can’t afford prevention efforts
4 years, 2 months ago

As wildfires explode in the West, Forest Service can’t afford prevention efforts

LA Times  

Residents of the densely wooded hillsides near Bend, Ore., are serious about fire. But a century of focus on fire suppression and cuts to fire prevention programs have led the Forest Service to postpone work that experts say could prevent small fires from becoming conflagrations. A Forest Service spokesman in Oregon said the agency had not begun to assess whether …

The coronavirus may be unhealthy for the forest too.
54 years, 11 months ago

The coronavirus may be unhealthy for the forest too.

Slate  

For months now, plans have been made and remade for how best to respond to wildfires within the pandemic. But a key element of the U.S. wildfire service’s plan to fight fires in the midst of the pandemic could end up injecting even more uncertainty and risk into the equation. In acknowledgment of this, the federal wildland fire agencies, taking …

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