BAER Team Assesses Post-Fire Effects from the Naranjo Fire

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is currently assessing post-fire conditions for the Naranjo Fire near Regina, NM, on the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest(SFNF).

Monsoonal weather patterns are expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this week, increasing the threat of localized flash flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for northern and central New Mexico until midnight tonight.

As the BAER team continues its analysis, residents and visitors to the area around the Naranjo Fire should remain alert to the possibility of flooding downstream from the burned areas, and increased flow and ash may be visible in stream channels.

The BAER program is a rapid assessment to identify and manage potential threats to safety, property, water quality, and natural and cultural resources after a wildfire. The Naranjo Fire BAER team has completed its analysis of the fire’s effect on soils, which shows that 88% of the 1,011-acre fire burned at low severity or not at all. Less than one acre burned at high severity, and the remaining 120 acres burned at moderate severity.

The BAER team will continue its analysis based on data collection in the field, satellite imagery and computer modeling to determine whether to recommend any post-fire treatments on the Naranjo Fire.

The SFNF managed the lightning-caused Naranjo Fire to achieve multiple resource benefits, including improved forest health, reduced fuel loadings and improved wildlife habitat.