US restarts burns of forest fuel, paused after runaway blaze

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. government is resuming prescribed burning of National Forest lands across the nation to clear brush and small trees after a three-month pause to review and respond to climate change and risks of runaway wildfires. U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said newly prescribed burns will require same-day authorization to keep pace with weather and ground conditions. Changes also include more robust scientific analysis and on-site evaluation of potential for human error linked to fatigue or inexperience. The agency’s prescribed burn program was put on hold in May 2022 pending evaluation in response to extreme climate conditions and a devastating government-sparked fire in New Mexico.