BLM plans prescribed fires in Eddy and Chaves counties
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Carlsbad, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to conduct several prescribed fire operations beginning the week of Feb. 20 through the end of April. The agency plans to conduct burn operations on approximately 3,080 acres in six units southwest of Carlsbad in Eddy County, located north and south of Highway 62, and one unit in western Chaves County.
The operations are weather dependent and will take several days to complete. Smoke from the burns may be visible from Carlsbad, Whites City, Loving, Malaga, Dunken, and other nearby communities. Although smoke should not impact highways, signs will be posted along roadways to remind motorists to use caution in the vicinity by reducing speed and watch for fire personnel and equipment.
Per BLM policy, prescribed burns will not take place when a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the area where the burn is planned. During the potential burn period, fire management crews will monitor daily weather to decide which date the burn will take place. The burn will be monitored by 15-20 BLM firefighters and personnel until smoke is no longer visible.
The objectives of the projects are to remove overgrown decadent fuels and decrease the risk of damage to resources and loss to adjacent property from wildfire. Other goals are to improve watershed and habitat conditions, increase the health, vigor, and competitive ability of the native plant community, and reduce the threat of non-native and native invasive plant species.
Coordination has occurred and will continue with adjacent landowners, permittees, Eddy County and Carlsbad City Fire, interagency fire cooperators, and Eddy and Chaves County leadership. Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems can find resources and information at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/.
The BLM encourages public land users to continue to be careful with fire. To report a wildfire on public land, please call Alamogordo Interagency Dispatch at (877) 695-1663. For more information on this prescribed burn and the BLM fire and hazardous fuels reduction program, please contact BLM Fire Management Specialist Alex Mermigkas at (575) 200-0363. You can also follow the implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com, on https://twitter.com/NMFireInfo, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nmfireinfo.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.