Cajete Prescribed Fire Project 2016

On Oct. 24, fire management staff from Bandelier National Monument conducted a prescribed fire treatment at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Approximately 36 acres were treated within the Highway Ignition Unit as part of the Cajete Prescribed Fire Project. On the morning of October 28, four days after the Highway Ignition Unit had been ignited, another patrol was conducted. All lines were secure. At approximately 1545 hours that day, a National Park Service contractor reported that a woodpile adjacent to a small shed near the southeast corner of the Highway Ignition Unit was on fire.

The first engine arrived on scene at 1615 hours. The second engine arrived at 1700 hours. When the first engine arrived on scene, the shed was completely engulfed in flames. It was later discovered that a five-gallon propane cylinder had been stored in the shed and exploded during the structure fire. Protection efforts were implemented on the adjacent building and the shed was allowed to burn. Next, a “hissing” sound was heard, followed by a loud “boom.” It was later discovered that a five-gallon propane cylinder had been stored in the shed and exploded during the structure fire.

Prescribed Fire, RLS, Prescribed Fire Operations