City of Carlsbad extends airport lease with BLM as wildfire danger looms in Eddy County
Mike SmithA camp trailer and small storage shed based at the Cavern City Air Terminal near Carlsbad leased to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) play a pivotal role in fighting wildland fires in southeast New Mexico.
“That’s there in the event we need to have more aircraft here and be closer to fires. We have that option and ability,” said Nathan Curnutt, acting fire management officer for the BLM’s Pecos District.
The City of Carlsbad and BLM have a longstanding agreement for the Carlsbad BLM Field Office to rent the 7,750 square foot space north of the main terminal and Chandler Aviation for a $1 a year to support wildland firefighting efforts in Eddy County, read City of Carlsbad documents.
More:Carlsbad and Bureau of Land Management extend airport agreement
City Councilor’s renewed the agreement for another year April 26.
“They need it to deploy to a fire,” said Cavern City Airport Manager Sherri Chandler of the agreement.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) said interagency agreements between federal and local governments reinforced responses to wildland fires anywhere in New Mexico, especially in southeast New Mexico.
“There have been a lot of lessons learned from the recent fires in New Mexico, but strengthening local, state, and federal resources to respond to these devastating events will always be key,” he said.
Curnutt said there is enough room near the BLM’s lease site for helicopters and single engine air tankers. He compared the aircraft to crop dusting type planes used for agricultural purposes.
“The BLM does not own any of the aircraft,” said BLM Spokesperson Jillian Aragon.
“All air support is provided either by contractors or through other agencies, such as US Forest Service."
More:Fire restrictions put in place across New Mexico, as legislators work to mitigate wildfire impacts
Curnutt said BLM has three fire engines based in Carlsbad and air support is called in when needed, as assistance varies day to day during a fire.
“There’s a limited number of aircraft available. Priorities are typically set for that,” he said. “Air resources support our ground resources,” he said.
“Most air support delivers fire retardant from large air tankers,” Curnutt said.
BLM had field offices in Carlsbad and Roswell and a field station in Hobbs. BLM oversees 3.5 million acres of public areas and over seven million acres of federal mineral estate, read the BLM website.
BLM firefighters remain alert
“There have not been any Eddy County fires that fall under the BLM's jurisdiction this year,” Aragon said.
Across New Mexico, seven wildfires have ignited this season.
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Curnutt said fire danger in the BLM Pecos District was high to very high.
He said no long-term moisture relief appeared in the weather forecast.
“We do have a high fire load. All the fuels are dry and available to burn. It doesn’t take much of an ignition source (and) on the days we’ve have lately with relative humidity’s being around two to five percent,” Curnutt said.
High fire danger and prolonged drought prompted BLM implementation of fire restrictions on public lands across the Pecos District as of April 28, stated a press release.
Prohibited acts include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety is allowed.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device.
More:Local tourism still viable despite fire danger, restrictions
“The purpose of these orders is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger, and worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action,” the press release read.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
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