Alfonso Montoya, Fuels District Assistant Fire and Management Officer (AFMO)
B.S., Colorado State University-Pueblo
USDA Forest Service
My job is to manage the land and serve the public through fire management and fuels reduction.
In fire, you are a part of a team, and as a team player, you may need to lead the team or fill holes that the team has. I have a well-rounded skill set that allows me to contribute where the team needs.
There are many challenges that everyone encounters on fire, and problem-solving is a skill set that one must have in order to contribute to the team’s success and overall mission.
From mapping technology to firing devices, we are always looking for innovation to help with efficiency. We currently are utilizing field maps ArcGIS Online (AGOL), Enterprise Geospatial Portal (EGP) by Interra, Avenza Maps, InFORM fire reporting, onX maps, various other mapping platforms, and drones.
Wildland fire is something we’re going to have to learn to coexist with and educate people on. Wildland fire becomes an issue to human values when we don’t understand the natural occurrence and allow our fuels to become overgrown.
I have been fortunate to participate in most of the fieldwork positions the Forest Service has to offer. Fire management is one that can have the greatest impact on landscapes for better or for worse.
