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## Intermountain Region News Release

Prescribed Fire Continuing on Wednesday, September 23

in Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument -- Park Visitor Center
and Loop Trail Closed for the day -- Tsankawi Open

LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO: Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Brad
Traver has announced the decision to close Frijoles Canyon on Wednesday,
September 24th, including the Visitor Center and Main Loop Trail in
order to continue safely with the prescribed burn that began on Tuesday.
"The 210-acre Burn Unit is located around the visitor center and Main
Loop Trail," said Traver. "The main objective of this burn is to reduce
the threat of catastrophic wildfire by reducing fuel accumulations
around the Frijoles Canyon archeological sites and CCC National Historic
Landmark District buildings."

"The burn began by the Falls Trailhead and continued through the picnic
area toward Alcove House on Tuesday. The visitor center and Main Loop
Trail to Long House will close on Wednesday but reopen on Thursday,
September 25^th^."

"The burn will proceed around the Main Loop Trail on Wednesday," said
Traver. "This will result in a one-day closure of Frijoles Canyon and
all trails leading into it. We will be redirecting park visitors to
other locations in the park like Tsankawi. Smoke conditions permitting,
the Tyuonyi Overlook Trail will remain open for visitors and area
residents who want to hike to a point overlooking the burn."

"We are hoping that the burn will be completed on Thursday," said
Traver. "We plan to reopen the Main Loop Trail and to only maintain
closures on the Long Trail, trail to Alcove House and above to Upper
Crossing."

"Visitors who have known sensitivities to smoke are encouraged to avoid
Frijoles Canyon for one to two weeks until all smoldering logs have
burned out," added Traver. "The shape of this canyon is likely to entrap
smoke every night leaving it lingering in the canyon for several days
after the burning has been completed. Potential visitors are encouraged
to check for daily updates on our website or to call the visitor center
for information at (505) 672-3861 ext.517."

"The primary focus of this treatment will be to burn the dead and down
fuels that have accumulated as a result of fire absence and recent pine
mortality (drought & insect infestation) in this canyon," said Bandelier
Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp. "The canyon wall on the northeast
boundary of the unit is not expected to support fire spread. The canyon
wall on the southwest boundary of the unit may support short, uphill
runs where fuel accumulations are heavy and continuous enough. However,
these slopes will not be targeted for ignitions. If fire spreads upslope
in these areas, it will be contained at the trail that runs along the
mesa-top (from below Frijolito to Upper Crossing)."

"The burn unit has already been mechanically thinned to prepare for this
burn," added Kemp. "The fuel moistures have finally dried enough to
enable us to proceed with these plans."

This fall's prescribed fire will be conducted under the guidelines of
Bandelier's Fire Management Plan (2005). The Monument works very closely
with other local land management agencies in the planning and management
of these prescribed fires. The policy of using fire as a management tool
will help decrease risks to life and property and help perpetuate the
resource values for which Bandelier National Monument was established.

For more information regarding Bandelier's plans prescribed fires this
fall \-- or for information regarding other fire management projects at
Bandelier \-- call (505)662-7065 or email band_fire_comments@nps.gov.

\--NPS\--

**Notes to Editors:**

(1) In addition to contacting Bandelier's Superintendent, for additional
    background information, you may also contact Gary Kemp or Marla
    Rodgers at 505-672-3861 x550 or 551 respectively

-end-