Taos, N.M., November 16, 2024—Fire crews began ignitions on the Highway 150 Piles Prescribed Fire today. Here’s the latest:
Fire crews completed 40 additional acres in the Highway 150 Piles project area, mostly on the southside of New Mexico Highway 150 and along the Bull of the Woods trail.
Crewswill take advantage of ongoing favorable conditions tomorrow, November 17, to continue treating remaining piles on the along Highway 150 and in Taos Ski Valley.
Trails along Highway 150 remain open, but hikers should exercise caution and expect some smoke.
Once again, it took a team to make today happen. Fire managers would like to thank staff from across the Forest, including Taos Ski Valley Fire Department, Red River Fire Chasers, the Carson Hotshots and West Zone fire resources for their efforts in today’s success.
Project Background
Today’s work is part of the Highway 150 Corridor Wildland Urban Interface Project. Local organizations in 2014 came together to form the Taos Valley Watershed Coalition, which named the highway corridor as one of its priorities for protecting the forest and watershed that communities depend on.
The piles were made from thinning along length of Highway 150 within Carson National Forest, between Valdez to above the Village of Taos Ski Valley along the Wheeler Peak Trail. More information about the project is available at fs.usda.gov/goto/Hwy150Project.
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Today’s burn occurred in the Enchanted Circle Wildfire Crisis Landscape, an area recognized by Congress as a national priority given its ecological and cultural importance.
Smoke
Fire managers work with the New Mexico Environment Department to conduct ignitions on days when smoke impacts will be limited. Nonetheless, smoke will be present and will impact nearby areas, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Smoke readiness tips are available at fs.usda.gov/goto/CarsonRxSmoke.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.
State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.
The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.
The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”
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“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”
State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.
“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.
All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.
The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.
Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.
“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”
A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.
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Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.
Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.
Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.
