SFNF News:SANTA FE ― Fire managers hope to resume the prescribed burn in the Gallinas Watershed on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District next week, perhaps as early as Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The decision to burn on Tuesday will be dependent on favorable conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, weather forecasts and available resources.
The Gallinas Canyon prescribed burn is designed to improve and protect the Gallinas Watershed, the primary water source for the City of Las Vegas, by reducing the risk for high-severity wildfire. The 800-acre Gallinas Watershed treatment area is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Las Vegas, NM.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Smoke from the Gallinas Watershed prescribed burn will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are met. Smoke may be visible in EV Long Campground and the communities of Gallinas, El Porvenir, San Pablo, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo and Gascon. Smoke may impact NM Highway 65, the main access to the Gallinas corridor, and the area around Hermit’s Peak. Smoke is expected to disperse during the morning hours. Smoke may also be visible from Panderies, Las Vegas, and along I-25 north and south of Las Vegas.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with heart or respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Environment Department’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
For additional information, please contact the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger Station at 505.425.3534.
