SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest will provide 24-hour notice to the public before commencing the previously announced prescribed burn in the lower portion of the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed. 

Unpredictable spring weather has made it difficult to schedule ignition on 844 acres within the project area. The advance notice will advise the public, including smoke-sensitive individuals who may need to take precautionary measures, that conditions are optimal to proceed. 

The Santa Fe National Forest will send notifications by 10 a.m. the day before the scheduled burn.

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.

Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts, to determine whether the Watershed prescribed burn can occur this month. Public and firefighter safety is the first priority.

For additional information about the prescribed burn in the Santa Fe Watershed, contact the Española Ranger Station at 505.753.7331.