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Why It Makes Sense to Manage Wildfires Now (Ojitos Fire Wildfire)

Why It Makes Sense to Manage Wildfires Now SANTA FE, NM – Sept. 25, 2017 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are taking advantage of three unplanned lightning-caused wildfires to achieve significant benefits on the ground, including safer communities and healthier forests and watersheds. The Ojitos Fire on the Coyote Ranger District, Deer Creek Fire on the Jemez Ranger District and Palmer Fire on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District are being managed for resource benefit, part of a national strategy to use low-intensity fire under optimal conditions to reduce the frequency, size and duration of future wildfires. During a managed fire, the Santa Fe National Forest works closely with the National Weather Service and state and local partners, including the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health, to mitigate smoke impacts on communities and individuals. When lightning strikes in a forested area where fire...