Borrego Campground jackpot prescribed fire on the Espanola Ranger District. Courtesy photo

SFNF News:

Santa Fe National Forest fire managers have postponed the Blanco prescribed fire, a 718-acre broadcast burn planned this week on the Española Ranger District. The decision was based on several factors, including unpredictable winds from incoming cold fronts that created a narrow burn window, red flag warnings on the east side of the state, and varying fuel conditions—dry south facing slopes and wet north facing slopes—that could leave unburned pockets likely to ignite as conditions dry.

Critical fall and winter fuels reduction work completed

During fall 2025 and winter 2026, the Santa Fe National Forest completed critical fuels reduction work across the forest, treating approximately 1,380 acres in the Cuba, Jemez and Española ranger districts. Fire managers recently ordered a fixed wing aircraft equipped with a military grade infrared camera to fly over all prescribed fire projects. The system can detect a heat source the size of a dinner plate and identifies heat that may not be visible or detectable during ground patrols. The flight confirmed no remaining heat on any fall 2025 or winter 2026 prescribed fire units.

Each prescribed fire is unique and requires specific criteria before it can be declared out. Personnel will continue patrolling burn units and working through those steps. The SFNF does not plan to implement any spring prescribed fire projects and will instead focus on preparing resources for potential wildfires this season.

Learn More

Prescribed fire is an important tool used to reduce hazardous vegetation and help protect communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. For more information on fire management and SFNF updates, visit the forest’s website and social media pages (Facebook and X).