Fall Prescribed Fire Projects Begin on the Santa Fe National Forest

Fire managers from the Jemez Ranger District plan to begin ignitions on the 1,701-acre North Joaquin prescribed fire project as early as mid-September. The project area is located approximately 6 miles west of Jemez Springs and 3 miles south of Rancho de Chaparral Girl Scout Camp. The North Joaquin prescribed fire is part of the Chaparral National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision with the objective to restore fire dependent ecosystems, protect communities from high severity wildfire, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as priority.

Crews are prepping containment lines using natural features, roads, and past burned areas. The western boundary of the project area is adjacent to Rito la Cueva Springs Forest Road 534/Forest Road 376 HD and the eastern boundary is Forest Road 376. A final decision to proceed with a prescribed fire on the SFNF depends on agency administrator approval, resource availability, and favorable conditions including fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather.

Fire managers are planning 2-3 days for implementation, using a combination of aerial and hand ignitions.

Aterinions are complete reiters will mtie intest eye spering and holding the fire within

Smoke from the North Joaquin prescribed fire may be visible from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Cuba, and the Pueblo of Jemez. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautions. To learn more about how the New Mexico Environment Department Smoke Management Program ensures prescribed fires are carried out safely visit Smoke Management Program (nm.gov),

For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchors.

For more information on the North Joaquin prescribed fire contact the Jemez District Office by phone

(575) 829-3535 or visit the office at 51 Woodsy Lane, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. To learn more about fire management visit the SFNF website, NM Fire Info, and SFNF social media (Facebook and X).