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Burns Also Planned in Bandelier |
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Written by Nancy Tipton
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Friday, 02 November 2007 |
Burning starts Monday in upper areas of monument land
Bandelier National Monument Acting Superintendent Vito Spinale said today that a 700+ prescribed fire will begin Monday and will continue for several weeks.
“After the Cerro Grande fire in 2000, everyone is asking us why we need to burn in Bandelier,” stated Spinale in a press release. “The answer is that we have a responsibility as a land management agency to reduce our fuels and provide buffers to our neighbors. We have too much fuel in many hard-to-reach canyons. We cannot let these canyons become pathways for wildfires to travel into surrounding communities. We know that this is an issue that must be addressed collaboratively and with the full support of the community.”
“Many measures have been taken to assure that this fire stays within prescription,” said Bandelier Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. Burning will be initiated in the flattest portions of the unit and will only move into the steeper canyon terrain if the appropriate conditions exist. The colder temperatures at night and shorter days create an added element of control for this fire.”
“Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority when conducting any fire management operation in Bandelier,” added Kemp. “During the active burning, one lane of Highway 4 in Bandelier will be closed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and smoke will be likely along some portions of the road. Commuters traveling during this time will need to allow a little extra time for traveling and will need to drive slowly through areas with fire activity.”
“Hunters planning to camp and hunt in the areas adjacent to Bandelier need to know that hunting zones near the burn units are likely to experience smoke and increased human activity,” said Kemp. “Hunters also need to watch for firefighters that are working in the area to avoid mistaking them for wildlife.”
“Several high elevation areas along Highway 4 within Bandelier will be closed during the burns – effective at dusk on Sunday, November 4th,” said Spinale. “The Ski Trail Area and Trailheads will be closed for an extended period of time because they are located within the burn unit. The Cerro Trailhead and Unit, Alamo Boundary Trail, the County Line Trail and Trailhead, and all other parking areas along Highway 4 within the Sandoval County portion of Bandelier will be closed during all phases of active burning. Hikers are encouraged to plan hikes in other areas of the park during these closures.”
For more information regarding Bandelier’s plans for this prescribed fire -- or for information regarding other fire management projects at Bandelier -- call 505-662-7065.
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