Forestry crews use a back torch to ignite a prescribed burn. Courtesy Photo

A 144-acre prescribed burn is planned in the Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District beginning today if conditions are favorable.

Fire managers plan to treat 50 to 100 acres per day within a two day period.

The name of the project is the Southwest Barbero prescribed burn.

The treatment is expected to take place 12 miles south of the Rowe/Glorieta Mesa near Forest Road 124, and 12 miles south of Pecos.

Treatment will be by hand ignitions.

The purpose of the prescribed burn is to reduce the risk of future high intensity fire and restore forest health.

Smoke may settle in the areas of San Jose and Ribera in the evenings, and is expected to disperse in the mornings.

Smoke also may be visible from Pecos, Las Vegas and from 1-25, as well as from Highway 63.

Smoke from prescribed fire can be a nuisance to some people and a health concern for others, such as children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other heart or lung diseases.

To reduce exposure to smoke, stay indoors as much as possible with windows, doors and vents closed.

Avoid or limit physical activities outdoors.

In the evenings, smoke settles into low lying areas, including drainages; however, lifts by mid-morning when the sun rises.

Residents living in low-lying areas may be most affected.

Information on health impacts from smoke can be found at: http://www_nmenv_state.nm_us/agb/documents/Health Effects Smoke 06152010_pdf.

For more information on the planned prescribed burn, call the Pecos Ranger Station at (505) 757-6121 or visit www.nmfireinfo.com.