Oso Complex Fire

The creek served as the main source of water for the residents living in the surrounding Pueblo lands and if damaged, could severely affect these communities.

[3] The United States Forest Service worked alongside local authorities to amass a total of 808 workers to fight the Oso fire.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs supplied a substantial portion of this manpower, consisting of voluntary crews from the Navajo Nation, the Zuni, and the Laguna and Santa Domingo Pueblos.

During his trial, Sandoval stated that the fire symbolized his rebellion against Santa Fe government officials, claiming they utilized environmental laws to displace the poorer, Hispanic population by wealthier residents.

The Forest Guardians, an environmental group in Santa Fe, blamed the Oso fire’s growth on a policy of complete suppression for the past century.

A view of the Oso Complex Fire from the Otowi Building of Los Alamos National Laboratory .