Wildland fire module ups fire management and resources

SANTA FE, NM – Here in the southwest, fire management is one of the most important missions the Bureau of Land Management has. Wildfires are a high priority for the agency and the public, along with prescribed burns and resource management.

Maintaining the equipment and qualifications for both operational types can be challenging. But in New Mexico, a specialized unit is helping enhance fire management capabilities. Located in the BLM New Mexico Rio Puerco Field Office, the Rio Puerco Wildland Fire Module, one of only three in the whole nation, houses 11 fire management specialists who are experts in both fire suppression and prescribed fire.

Generally, when a wildfire is started, the focus is on putting it out, protecting the public and community infrastructure. However, within certain parameters, a fire may present an opportunity to help manage resources while taking its natural course. That’s where the Wildland Fire Module comes in. Established in 2022, each specialist in the module maintains qualifications required to successfully suppress wildfires to protect communities, people and resources. They are also able to evaluate the fire and use it to renew or remove overgrown vegetation, leading to greater resiliency in the land and resources.

“Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem,” says Will Briggs, BLM New Mexico State Fire Management Officer. “This gives us an opportunity. If it gets to the point where it’s not beneficial, we can suppress it. Or we can help that fire return the ecosystem back to its natural state. We’ve disrupted that cycle for a very long time, and one of our goals is to help restore it.”

Each module has the equipment and expertise to function independently and be self-sustaining for 14-21 days at a time. It also uses Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) which are integral to wildland fire operations. The module has two UAS pilots who operate the aircraft with infrared cameras, allowing them to see through smoke, scout and map fire areas, and even assist other agencies with the surveillance of active fires.

Each Wildland Fire Module significantly increases the capacity of BLM fire management and diversifies their capabilities throughout New Mexico and the nation.

“It’s the best of both worlds.”