District Ranger hopes for a less severe fire season

By Mike Marino
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — Spring is coming and along with melting snows and blooming flowers, it also marks the beginning of fire season here in the Southwest.

Chuck Hagerdon, District Ranger for the Mount Taylor Ranger District said, "It's always hard to predict what one season will do, but the preliminary outlook is that compared to the last couple of years, it shouldn't be as intense, but of course, that can change."

Hagerdon said, "In the low country or desert country such as the Tucson area they don't have as much moisture as we do. In our type of country we had a fairly wet summer and winter, but who can say for certain what will happen."

The Mount Taylor district has a heavy snow load and a lot of the dead combustible material is compressed and matted so that helps to minimize the danger. Hagerdon also said the forest should still be pretty wet during the high wind season coming in spring.

"With higher live fuel moisture and a later green up, we could have a below average fire season, but as all things with nature, that is subject to change," Hagerdon said.

The Mount Taylor District has a level of preparedness funding this year similar to the budget of 2006 and although the Forest Service in the Southwest area is currently staffed at 75 - 85% of full fire fighting capabilities, the Mount Taylor District is in good shape, Hagerdon said. "We do have 46 permanent employees on staff, but that can grow up to 70 or 80 during the actual summer fire and work season."

Although the higher moisture helps in keeping the fire dangers low, it also causes new growth of fire fuels that may not pose an immediate concern but can down the road during drier periods. Monsoon season is expected to start up in early to late July with the possibilities of below normal rainfall east of the Continental Divide.

The Forest Service watches the fire season carefully but local homeowners can also do their part to help minimize the dangers such as creating a defensible space around the home or business by removing brush and other fire fuels.

A complete list of prevention steps and various brochures with helpful hints and tips about fire safety are available at the Mount Taylor Ranger District office located at 1800 Lobo Canyon Road or call (505) 287-8833 for more information.