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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Pueblo still affected by fire
MAY 19, 2000

The government has made many mistakes.

That's the message Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt brought to residents of New Mexico on Thursday. Along with several federal and state officials, Babbitt presented the findings on the Cerro Grande fire in Santa Fe, accepting federal blame for the May 4th prescribed burn that soon grew out of control.

Although the fire has been 60 percent contained, it still continues to burn on Pueblo land. It has so far scorched 7,000 acres, or 15 percent, of the Santa Clara Pueblo reservation and at least one-third of the watershed.

The first has also damaged many sites important to the cultural and subsistence practices of the tribe. The tribe had feared it would also destroy the Puye Cliff Dwellings, a historic and sacred Pueblo site.

Santa Clara ranger Willem Tafoya watched flames approach the dwellings. "I thought it was a goner," he reported.

The fire came within one-eighth of a mile of the site but wind and crews prevented the site from reaching the site.

Santa Clara Governor Denny Gutierrez believes the Pueblo is being ignored by the government. Two towns nearest to the fire, Los Alamos and White Rock, have received much of the focus. Residents of both towns were forced to evacuate and have begun returning to their homes.

During the presentation, only one official, Representative Tom Udall (D N. Mex), spoke about the Pueblo's concerns. "The Pueblos of Santa Clara and San Ildefonso have been devastated by this fire," Udall said. He also hoped the government would be able to address damage claims as soon as possible.

New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson likened the government's role to a car accident. "Los Alamos has been hit by an 18-wheeler and the government was driving," he said.

Gutierrez says Santa Clara will need money to help with erosion control, reseeding and replanting of trees, and other renewal efforts, but that he can't put a price tag on damage to land it has damaged.

Relevant Links:
From the National Parks Service: Bandelier National Monument - Cerro Grande Prescribed Fire Investigation Report

Related Stories:
Pueblo seeks fire aid (Enviro 05/18)
Fire burns Pueblo land (Enviro 05/16)
Sacred site saved from fire (Enviro 05/15)
Pueblo affected by fire (Enviro 05/11)
Fire closes National Laboratory (Enviro 05/09)
Pueblo monument fire out of control (Enviro 05/08)