SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
Fire managers from the SFNF Española Ranger District are planning to begin the Pacheco Canyon pile burn project on Thursday Feb. 15. The Pacheco Canyon piles are located northeast of Santa Fe, N.M. and consist of 253 acres of debris left after fuel reduction projects that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest. The decision to proceed with each pile burn depends on multiple factors including persistent snowpack, air quality, ventilation, and resource availability.
Smoke may be visible in the Santa Fe vicinity as fire crews begin ignitions on the Pacheco Canyon piles. Those hiking the Winsor Trail, near Forest Road 102, may see flames and smoke from the pile burn project. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the www.airnow.gov.
Fire crews completed the majority of the 642-acre Hyde Park pile burn project last week.
Burning the 4 units was challenging as fire crews had to hike an hour to the piles in deep snow.
Because of heavy snowpack, about 2 acres of piles remain near the Black Canyon Campground, located on Hyde Park Road near Santa Fe, N.M. In the coming weeks, SFNF fire managers will continue to look for opportunities to complete this project.
The Pacheco Canyon and Hyde Park pile burn projects are a part of a bigger effort to protect the greater Santa Fe fire shed from catastrophic wildfire. Fire sheds are identified as where fires ignite and are likely to, or not to spread to communities. Over the last 20 years, the SFNF, with the help of partners, has completed prescribed fire projects around the capital city reducing hazardous fuels and creating a surrounding landscape more resilient to wildfire.
For updates on SFNF prescribed fire projects visit our SFNF website, social media (Facebook and X) and NM Fire Info.
