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SFNF Implements Joaquin Piles Prescribed Burn

By SFNF

Fire managers on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are taking advantage of favorable conditions, including snow pack, fuel moisture levels, air quality, wind and weather forecasts, to burn piles of woody debris on the previously announced Joaquin project area this week. Ignitions may continue over the weekend and into next week, depending on the weather.

The unit is approximately 648 acres, located about 7 miles north of the community of Gilman west of Forest Road (FR) 376 and south of FR 534.

Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to restore fire-adapted ecosystems like the SFNF by applying low- to moderate-intensity fire to the landscape under specific conditions within predetermined boundaries. Burning piles in areas of heavy fuel loading prior to broadcast burning allows fire managers to reduce smoke impacts and fire intensity inside the treatment area.

The SFNF manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke will likely be visible from Gilman, Canon, the Pueblo of Jemez and Jemez Springs and along NM State Road 4 and U.S. Route 550.

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 more information, contact the Jemez Ranger Station at 575-829-3535.

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