Forest Service rehabilitation engineers hope raking the surface could break through the waxy layer and reduce runoff. Other crews are out cutting trees that are in precarious positions and could fall under a breeze. Trenches that had been dug as a defense against the wildfire will also be re-engineered with heavy machinery to keep them from channeling water and worsening the flood risk. At the height of activity, more than 1,500 firefighters were in action. Crews now number just more than 600.
Helicopters are still on duty to douse new burning trees with water.
The next stage in dealing with Cerro Grande is for the Forest Service to look at the extent of damage to the natural habitat. Archaeologists, biologists, water and soil scientists are all on the case. Another 15 species of animals, from insects to mammals, are also listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as warranting concern for their low numbers. Biologists are working on assessments of the impact the fire has had on area wildlife. The Albuquerque Tribune.