Gallinas RX Review 2018

In early October the Pecos/Las Vegas District, Santa Fe National Forest, initiated the Gallinas Prescribed Fire in the municipal watershed for the city of Las Vegas, NM. Due to persistent dry weather conditions, prescribed fire operations continued throughout the fall in multiple units. Moisture/snow was forecasted on several occasions across the burn area, but snowfall accumulation was well below historically normal conditions. The snow across the project area melted rapidly which resulted in prescribed fire spreading away from the piles, but well within the project area. The District had a presence throughout the fall and responded appropriately to areas of concern. This strategy resulted in a long-duration event.

In late fall, a portion of the prescribed fire crossed into an area where fire was not desired within the unit. On December 29th the decision was made to suppress this portion of the prescribed fire. On January 18th, the same portion of the prescribed fire was converted to a wildfire due to unwanted fire effects. This decision was made due to the potential for ash to enter the municipal watershed--degrading water quality and community relations.

Prescribed Fire, Firing, Extended Attack, Transition, Escaped Prescribed Fire