Stable Canyon Prescribed Burn Planned for this Weekend

By SFNF

Fire managers on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are planning to implement the previously announced Stable Canyon prescribed burn on the Jemez Ranger District as early as Saturday if conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecasted weather, remain favorable.

Crews will use hand and aerial ignitions to treat the 1,595-acre Stable Canyon unit east of Porter Landing. Depending on conditions, it may take up to three days to complete operations on Stable Canyon.

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring low-intensity fire to fire-adapted ecosystems. These fires mimic historic natural fire regimes by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

The SFNF manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke from the Stable Canyon burn will likely be visible from Forest Road 376 and the communities of Gilman, Jemez Pueblo and La Cueva.

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 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://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com,www.facebook.com/SantaFeNF and Twitter @SantafeNF. For additional information, please contact the Jemez Ranger District at 575-829-3535.