Media and Public Advisory: Diego Prescribed Burn on Cuba District is a Go Today

By SFNF

After a successful test fire today, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are proceeding with the previously announced Diego prescribed burn on the Cuba Ranger District today.

The 374-acre treatment area is north of the community of Gilman and 1 mile east of the Rancho del Chaparral Girl Scout Camp. Crews may treat small blocks each day to decrease the volume of smoke. The Diego prescribed burn is designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health.

Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. For additional information, refer to the SFNF press release issued on Oct. 19, 2021.

The SFNF manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke will likely be visible from the communities of Gilman, La Cueva, Canon, the Pueblo of Jemez, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and from NM Highway 4, NM Highway 126 and US Highway 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 and how to create a clean air space in your home, 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 more information, contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575-289-3264.