Editor:
There was a very dangerous wildfire in the bosque April 11. As I was returning from Española I saw a column of black smoke possibly near La Villita and later learned that it was a hay barn. The fire jumped from one side of the river to the other and was heading upstream.
Thanks to the skilled firefighters, who came from all over the county, the fire was contained before it burned any homes or the state-owned Historic Los Luceros.
How did this fire get started? Someone was probably burning weeds or brush and the wind took it out of control. Did they have a permit to burn, which is free from the county fire marshal’s office? Had they checked in with the dispatcher for permission to burn on Saturday? There was a fire ban for Easter weekend.
Normally burning is only allowed on weekends but one must call in 20 minutes before they intend to burn in order to get permission to burn weeds or brush. Trash is never allowed to be burned.
From Española to Velarde the beautiful cottonwood bosque lines the Rio Grande. It is a habitat for many animals and helps prevent flooding.
But in may places invasive species like the Russian olive (monkey peanut) trees have created a potential situation for wildfire because they are very flammable and can carry flames to the tops of the cottonwood trees. There are federal grants that can help pay for the removal of these trees.
It is up to residents of this beautiful Valley to observe the burn regulations. If you see a possible illegal fire, please call your local fire department.
The Velarde/Alcalde Firewise Community is a group of neighbors who have been learning how to protect our homes in case of a wildfire. We offer free home assessments so you may learn specifically what you can do to be safe if/when a wildfire happens. You may call Floyd Romero at 927-0333 if you would like to set up an appointment.
Judith Chaddick
Velarde