Pacheco Canyon Prescribed Burn Pushed to Sunday

After studying conditions, including fuel moisture levels, weather forecasts, air quality and wind direction, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) today decided to delay the previously announced Pacheco Canyon prescribed burn until Sunday, May 5.

Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and will not proceed with the Pacheco Canyon burn if conditions are not optimal.

The 500-acre unit is adjacent to Forest Road 102, approximately 6 miles east of Tesuque Pueblo and 3 miles west of Ski Santa Fe. Hand and aerial ignitions will be completed in one day.

Smoke will likely be visible from Santa Fe, Tesuque, Nambe, Los Alamos and Pojoaque as well as the I-25 and US 285/84 corridors. Smoke is expected to flow and settle into low-lying areas at night and may affect areas near Santa Fe, Tesuque, Nambe, Pojoaque and Rio Chupadero.

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with heart or respiratory problems 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 at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for additional information. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com, www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF and Twitter @SantafeNF. For more information, contact the Española Ranger Station at 505-753-7331.