Courtesy photoSFNF News:
SANTA FE ― Fire Managers on the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest completed the French Mesa prescribed burn Thursday.
The objective was met by the total of 3,580 acres that were successfully treated.
The prescribed burn was conducted to improve wildlife forage and reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire.
Forest Roads 8 and 11 will remain open to the public, but travelers are advised to take extreme caution when entering into or near the burn areas. The burn areas can be hazardous due to the risk of falling snags, burning stump-holes, residual smoke, and other hazards. Also, try to avoid camping in the vicinity of the treatment area so natural restoration can occur.
Conditions allowed for a safe and effective prescribed burn. The Coyote Ranger District thanks the public for their patience and understanding.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available for resource managers to restore fire adapted ecosystems. The prescribed burns mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity.
The French Mesa prescribed burn removed dead forest fuels that will also provide community protection and promote forest health.
Prescribed burns are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Smoke/Air Quality: Information on air quality and protecting your health using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.
For additional information about the French Mesa prescribed burn, contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575.638.5526.
