SFNF News:SANTA FE ― Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are planning to continue the Joaquin prescribed pile burn on Thursday, Dec. 15, if conditions, including air quality and weather forecasts, remain favorable.
The 60-acre treatment area sits on the boundary between the Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts.
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. The Joaquin prescribed pile burn is designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Smoke from the prescribed burns will be monitored, and the information will be available to provide health advisories as necessary. Lingering smoke may be present for up to one week after ignitions are complete. Smoke may be visible from Jemez Springs, the Pueblo of Jemez, Gilman, Seven Springs, La Cueva, US 550 and NM 4.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
For additional information about these prescribed burns, please contact the Jemez Ranger District at 575.829.3535 or the Cuba Ranger District at 575.289.3264.
