SFNF Plans La Presa Prescribed Fire on Coyote District

By SFNF

Fire managers on the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are planning to conduct the La Presa prescribed fire on Mesa los Indios as early as March 19. The decision to proceed will depend on favorable conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, wind direction and weather forecasts.

Crews will use hand ignitions to treat the 700-acre La Presa unit, targeting jackpots of fuel with high moisture content which will help limit fire spread and smoke. Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems.  These fires mimic 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.

Smoke will likely be visible from US Highway 84 and the communities of Canjilon, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and Cañones.

The SFNF manages 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 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 tohttps://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

For additional information, please contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526.