NMCIF Magdalena RD Durfee Bolander Prescribed Fire

Last updated:

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The type of incident is Prescribed Fire and involves the following unit(s) Cibola National Forest.

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State: New Mexico

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Coordinates:

Latitude: 33° 55 56 Longitude: 107° 34 23

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NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations.

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Incident Overview: Pending favorable conditions, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the Durfee Bolander prescribed fire (RX) on unit 9 on the Magdalena Ranger District as early as Thursday May 2, 2024. Smoke may be visible from the communities of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil.Fire crews plan to burn approximately 1,198 acres on Unit 9 in the vicinity of Durfee and Bolander Canyon along FSR 220 and West of FSR 473. See map attached.Ignition will depend upon agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in the prescribed fire plan. Desired conditions will result in effective smoke ventilation and dispersal and help achieve the effects needed to accomplish the burn plan objectives. The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state air quality and smoke management regulations. However, smoke may settle into drainages and lower elevations at night but is expected to dissipate as daytime temperatures increase. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the www.airnow.gov/Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires are intended to reduce hazardous fuels accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Additionally, fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the priority.