Recent fires that were lit during extreme drought and then escaped boundaries are calling into question the future of prescribed burns.
across 14,000 acres in Colorado and 18,500 acres in the Rocky Mountain region, according to federal data obtained by the Denver Post. Among those projects may be the planned burns to protect threatened water supplies for Colorado Springs and Aurora.
The suspension through this summer means Colorado agencies may not be able to take advantage of the past week’s wet spell, which brought snow in mountains that could allow prescribed fires under optimal conditions. New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this month demanded a halt and went public with her concerns about how federal agencies were conducting prescribed burns. “We’re done,” she declared at a news conference. Controlled burns have become too dangerous due to heat waves and high wind that have primed forests for big burns, she and others contend. The Forest Service must improve its practices, she said, in response to climate-induced extreme conditions.
Nationwide, the Forest Service conducts roughly 4,500 prescribed fires a year across 1.4 million acres of public land — a figure that reflects stepped-up use of prescribed fire. Moore downplayed the impact of the 90-day pause pending a review of protocols, saying the bulk of prescribed fires are conducted between September and May, when fire risks traditionally have been lower due to cooler temperatures and snow.
In New Mexico, a prescribed fire northwest of Las Vegas escaped in early April. It became part of the Calf Canyon Fire that broke out around April 19 in an area where, three months ago, another prescribed fire also was lit. Wildfires in New Mexico over the past six weeks have burned more than 311,000 acres and destroyed more than 600 homes and other structures. Costs of trying to suppress these fires were approaching $100 million – let alone compensation for damage.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Tyson the Bison' Safely Captured in Suburban Forest PreserveA 1,300-pound bison, familiar to the Chicago area, was captured Wednesday in a suburban forest preserve, according to officials.
Read more »
After Months on the Lam, Runaway Bison Finally Captured in Lake County Forest PreserveAfter nine months on the lam, Lake County's most wanted bison was captured today. Tyson, also known as Billy, escaped from a farmstead in Wauconda.
Read more »
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to raise fees at park sitesRecreation sites are opening for Memorial Day and the summer rec season, but if you are heading to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, be prepared to pay a little extra. FOX13
Read more »
Residents in Lake Forest seeking “special meeting” to discuss alleged problems involving the community boardSome residents in the Lake Forest community believe their board may not have their best interests in mind.
Read more »
New group to tackle water security unveiled at DavosTo contend with worsening water woes, experts on Wednesday launched a new global commission to study the value of the world's water, and work out ways of ensuring supply.
Read more »
Wildfire preps underway to protect Marin County water supplyCalifornians often hear about people taking steps to prepare their homes and businesses for fire season. The same is being done for Marin County's water supply.
Read more »