USFS News: 

SANTA FE – Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are planning to conduct an additional prescribed pile burn on the Cuba Ranger District. In addition to the previously announced Cedar Springs and Chaparral prescribed burns, the La Jara prescribed burn may be conducted through next March, only on favorable days as conditions allow. 

The La Jara prescribed pile burn is a total of 275 acres in the area northeast of the community of La Jara. Small blocks may be treated each day to decrease the daily smoke volume. 

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. The La Jara 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 both prescribed burns will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met. Smoke from the La Jara prescribed burn will likely be visible from La Jara, Cuba, Regina, Highway 96 and Highway 550. 

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 Environment Department’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

For additional information about these prescribed burns, contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575.289.3264.