As of 0600 today, the Southwest Area went to Preparedness Level 1.

Reducing hazardous fuels protects communities, infrastructure and forest from high-severity wildfires. #2023FireYear #PrescribedFire

For information on large fire activity across the #SouthwesternRegion , visit InciWeb inciweb.wildfire.gov #2023FireYear

The #SouthwesternRegion has lowered the Preparedness Level to PL3 effective Friday, Aug. 11. #2023FireYear

Video of a retardant drop on the #AmericanMesaFire Carson National Forest, taken by Victor Lujan, New Mexico Forestry Division #2023FireYear ow.ly/aVSx50PxPEv

Effective Saturday, Aug. 5, the preparedness level increased in the Southwest Area to PL4. Conditions indicate a moderate to high risk for significant fire growth, resources are frequently mobilized in most dispatch areas, and aviation resources are essential to success.

The Forest Service has established a strategy for confronting the wildfire crisis by dramatically increasing fuels and forest health treatments. ow.ly/Vrc350OOH1H

Specific information about wildfires and prescribed fires can be found on forest websites, social media platforms, and InciWeb ow.ly/y0nj50OOCw2

What fuels do you find in a forest? Ground fire or 'Surface Fuels' are on the ground. You'd find bushes, logs, stumps and fallen leaves, needles, branches, and cones here. #PastureFire helps to keep the forest healthy. GilaNF

The Southwest Prevention & Information Committee (SWPIC), comprised of federal, state, & local fire prevention professionals in AZ & NM, urges southwesterners to practice #WildfirePrevention while working & playing outdoors.

linktr.ee/FirePrevention…

Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous and can cost lives. #2023FireYear

What is a national fire prevention education team (NFPET) and why is one assigned to the Southwestern Region? twitter.com/FirePrevTeam #2023FireYear

Periodic fire is a natural disturbance that helps keep forests and grasslands healthy. Forest Service researchers and partners are working toward a proactive approach to managing fire. Treating Hazardous Fuels at a Scale That Makes a Difference.
ow.ly/CPWa50ONeHI

The nature of fire is unpredictable. Be proactive and create defensible space around your home.
To learn more about what you can do, visit nfpa.org/.../Wil.../Pre…, wildlandfire.az.gov & nmfireinfo.com

#DefensibleSpace #WildfirePrevention #FireYear2023 #NFPET

Many wildfires are burning across areas of the Southwestern Region. Please check the air quality in your area by going to: airnow.gov #2023FireSeason

Extensive ponderosa pine forests are in the SW US. Fire is essential to maintain these stands. Frequent fire burned grasses, shrubs, small trees and maintained an open area of larger ponderosa pine trees. ow.ly/jHmQ50OPU1b

What goes on in the air behind the scenes on wildland fires? Check this story out to learn more about Air Attack. #2023FireYear . fox10phoenix.com/news/a-look-at…

Using a chainsaw to gather firewood? Remember,
🪵Check current restrictions
💥Working spark arrestor is required on public lands
🪨Be aware of rocks
🚫Windy days
Visit wildlandfire.az.gov & nmfireinfo.com for restrictions
#OneLessSpark #FirePrevention #FireYear2023

Fire has always been part of the environment. As one of the most important natural agents of change, fire is vital in maintaining certain ecosystems, including ponderosa pine and chaparral in the southwest. ow.ly/7TgG50OLr67

We often talk about using prescribed fire at the right place, time, and scale. The process of calculating where, when and how to start a prescribed fire is much more complex. Forest Service Professionals Prepare for a Prescribed Burn. ow.ly/GLEG50OPJN6