US Forest Service Admits Responsibility for Near Catastrophic Wildfire in Los Alamos

The U.S. Forest Service has admitted that its own prescribed burn started the 2022 Cerro Pelado wildfire, which came close to reaching Los Alamos, New Mexico. The fire burned over 60 square miles and posed a threat to the city and its national security lab. The investigation revealed that the burn of forest debris became a holdover fire, smoldering undetected under wet snow for months. The Forest Service has faced criticism for its negligence, and concerns have been raised about the use of prescribed burns in the face of extreme weather conditions. The agency has halted prescribed burn operations and implemented new monitoring measures.