SFNF News:
SANTA FE — After two weeks of snow and wind delays, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) plans to implement the previously announced prescribed burning of debris piles in the Deer Lake area on the Cuba Ranger District beginning Monday, Feb. 27.
Burning will be spaced out during the first two weeks of March while snow conditions are still favorable.
Upon completion of burning operations, the burned piles will be monitored closely. Every precaution will be taken to ensure the burned piles are out before the arrival of traditional spring wind and warming trends.
The Deer Lake project is approximately 110 acres and is adjacent to N.M. 126 east of Cuba between mile-markers 7 and 9.5.
Burning these piles is one step in a series of actions to reduce the risks of wildfires from threatening our communities. The trees in these areas were thinned to remove ladder fuels and help prevent crown fires. The resulting piles are being burned to remove the fuel from the ground, further reducing the risk of wildfires from spreading as well as making it easier for suppression crews to work should a wildfire occur in the area.
Smoke from burning the piles may be visible from US-550, N.M. 96, N.M. 126, N.M. 197, and from the communities of Cuba, La Jara and Torreon. Minimal smoke is expected to impact N.M. 126 and FSR-70. Appropriate signage will be used to alert motorists in areas impacted by smoke.
The SFNF manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505.827.0006 for additional information. Visit Fire Adapted NM for information on the HEPA filter loan program.
Stay up to date on burning activities via the SFNF website and following on Facebook and Twitter.