Prescribed burn on the SFNF. Courtesy/fs.fed.us

LAFD News:

SANTA FE – The Los Alamos Fire Department, with the assistance of the Santa Fe National Forest, is planning to conduct a prescribed burn on 26 acres of Los Alamos County open space on one of the following days, Sept. 25, 26 or 27, depending on weather. 

The area to be burned is in the upper reaches of Pueblo Canyon east of the Aquatic Center.

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 wildlife habitat diversity.

The Los Alamos prescribed 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 burn will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met. Smoke will likely be visible from Espanola, Santa Clara and Santa Fe and from N.M. 502 and N.M. 285. 

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting one’s 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 Los Alamos Fire Department at 695.6729, 709.8455 or 662.8304.