Sunday, May 31, 2009

Lifting of Stage II Fire Restrictions

Due to the recent rains, the US Forest Service is planning to lift the Stage II Fire Restrictions for the Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest on Monday at 08:00 A.M. , June 1st 2009. A ban on fireworks in the forest remains in place, pending the arrival of the summer monsoonal weather pattern.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Inventory Time

Members, it is radio inventory time again. Please send the model, serial number, and tag (if it has one) for any radios you possess to Chief Klaene. Deadline is the June meeting.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Stage II Fire Restrictions in Effect for Lincoln NF

The Forest Service has placed the entire Lincoln National Forest under Stage II Fire Restrictions due to the dry weather. Fire Danger remains in the Extreme category.

Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using fire, campfire, charcoal, broiler, coal, or wood stove fire anywhere within the forest

2. Smoking outdoors

3. Using an explosive (including fireworks)

4. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order

6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame

7. Parking or driving a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and, except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads.

For more information on the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico, go to www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Highlights of Training at Pineywoods


Training was completed at the Pineywoods Substation today. The crew went over Forward and reverse lays, and the differences between Class "A" and Gel foam. These foams are used extensively for wild-land fire protection, and are something the crews need to be thoroughly familiar with. Gel type foam is normally used to protect houses and structures from being over-run by an advancing wildfire.

A small structural fire attack scenario was also performed. At some point in the future, a live burn is planned for this training building.





Flame Impingement Test...
52 seconds with no foam protection.


52 seconds with blanket of Gel Foam

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Cherry Festival Sign-up

The sign-up list for the Fire Department support of the 2009 Cherry Festival is on the table at the Main Station. Please check your schedules and sign up to serve either Ice Cream, or Snow-cones (or both). We still have over a month to go before this event happens. Let's not wait until the last minute to sign up and support the department.

Department Training Notice...

The High Rolls Fire Department will be conducting training this Saturday, May 9th. This training is part of a series of Wildland Interface protection and will occur in the Pineywoods area. Members are advised to have their Wildland Fire gear ready and to expect the exercise to commence around 08:30.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

The Time to Clear Brush is Upon Us...

High Rolls / Mountain Park lies in a region that is prone to the damaging effects of forest fires. We are in the early phases of our fire season. Please take advantage of this and remove brush from around your home and trim your trees back at least 10 feet from any overhanging eaves. These simple actions may save your home if a devastating wildfire happens to occur in your area. The season is upon us, and the Fire Danger will remain high until the Summer Monsoons start.