U.S. Forest Service Claims Responsibility for Cerro Pelado Fire

August 11, 2023

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio kicks off the week with some headlines from around the state, including news that some Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire victims could receive compensation as early as next week.

NMiF Host Gene Grant sits down with Source New Mexico reporter Patrick Lohmann to talk about prescribed burns and the announcement from the U.S. Forest Service that the Cerro Pelado Fire was caused by Forest Service action.

Then, Gene and The Line Opinion Panel discuss that report from the U.S. Forest Service. The group debates what this could mean for the future of prescribed burns in New Mexico and across the country, despite a new set of protocols released by the Forest Service after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Correspondent: Gene Grant:

Guest: Patrick Lohmann, reporter, Source New Mexico

The Line Opinion Panel:

Paula Garcia, executive director, New Mexico Acequia Association

John Fleck, professor, water researcher at UNM’s Utton Center

Elizabeth Miller, independent journalist

For More Information:

Forest Service improperly withholding fire records, attorney says – Albuquerque Journal

Navigating the Cerro Pelado Fire Rumor Mill – Our Land

Cerro Pelado Fire, plus: Rio Grande goes from rip-roaring to muddy & dry – Our Land

Forest Service report finds Cerro Pelado Fire sparked by agency prescribed burn – Santa Fe New Mexican