SFNF Plans to Implement Las Dispensas Prescribed Burn on Pecos/Las Vegas District

By SFNF

Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will be looking for optimal windows throughout the month of April to continue implementation of the previously announced Las Dispensas prescribed burn on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District.

The decision to proceed will depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and wind. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Crews hope to complete as much of the 1,207-acre Las Dispensas treatment area as conditions will allow. The Las Dispensas unit is part of a larger project to protect the Gallinas Watershed, a primary water source for the City of Las Vegas. Smoke may be visible from Gallinas, El Porvenir, San Pablo, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Gascon, Pendaries, Las Vegas and along the I-25 corridor.

The SFNF manages all 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 and how to create a clean air space in your home, go to https://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 Pecos Ranger Station at 505-757-6121 or the Las Vegas Ranger Station at 505-425-3534.