Big Hat Fire Meeting Management Objectives

Date: July 1, 2016
Contact: Kimberly DeVall, 575-829-4820

The lightning caused Big Hat Fire, now at 87 acres, is meeting management objectives to benefit resources within the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Fire managers will continue to take advantage of favorable conditions to burn out sections of land initially prepped to be burned this fall.

The low intensity surface fire is located in the Banco Bonito area in the southwestern portion of the preserve in an area of forest that had been thinned over the last two years. The fire management team is managing this natural fire for resource benefit, removing forest-floor fuels and improving wildlife habitat, while conserving the cultural resources in the area. Managed fires are only allowed within certain specific parameters and conditions allowing fire managers to be proactive.

There are currently no closures or impacts to recreation or roads due to the fire. It is not threatening any structures and will be monitored by fire managers who may use a full range of actions such as conducting hand or aerial ignitions, to delay, direct, or minimize the spread of fire in one or more areas if necessary. or more areas if necessary.

Smoke will be visible and may settle into low lying areas in the evening. On drier days, an increase in smoke and fire behavior may be noticed. On days with more clouds and moisture there may be little or no smoke or fire growth.

Smoke may be a health concern for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other heart or lung diseases. To reduce exposure to smoke, stay indoors with windows, doors, and vents closed. Avoid or limit physical activities outdoors. Information on health impacts from smoke can be found by calling the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-888-878-8992, or visiting: https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Additional information, maps, and photos can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4814/.