SFNF Plans to Implement Pile Burns at the Start of the New Year

In case winter decides to reappear, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) want to prepare and take advantage of potential moisture to implement previously announced pile burns. Pile burn ignitions can happen as early as Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, or later, pending conditions such as snowpack, air quality, forecast weather and wind, and resource availability.

Generally, pile burns produce less smoke and burn with less intensity, but local communities may experience short duration smoke impacts. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory concerns are encouraged to take precautions. To learn more about the New Mexico Environment Department Smoke Management Program visitwww.env.nm.gov/air-quality/smp/

Decision on ignitions will vary across the following districts depending on conditions at each location:

Cuba District

• Rock Creek Pile – 209 acres located adjacent to Forest Road 103, Forest Road 69, and along the Rito Penas Negras corridor. This unit is comprised of two units, unit nine at 6 acres and unit two at 203 acres.

Jemez District

• Horseshoe Pile – 239 acres located adjacent to State Road 126 and Forest Road 376 near the community of La Cueva.
• Hill Pile – 45 acres located adjacent to Forest Road 376 south of the intersection with Forest Road 604.
• San Diego Egress – 17 acres located adjacent to Ponderosa Road and New Mexico State Road 4, up the canyon from Jemez Springs.
• Seven Springs – 280 acres located off New Mexico State Road 126 near the community of Seven Springs and State Fish Hatchery.

Española District

• Hyde Park Pile Rx: North Ridge Unit – 42 acres remaining above Black Canyon Campground.  Can start as early as the first week in January pending snowfall.
• Tesuque Creek Pile Rx – 69 acres between Hyde Park Road and Forest Road 102 can start as early as the first week in January pending snowfall.

For more information about pile burns, please refer to the following resources and outreach efforts:

• Stay Updated: Pile burn locations and dates will be posted on the SFNF websiteand shared on social media, including Facebook and X(formerly Twitter).
• Email Notifications: To join the SFNF email distribution list, send a request to the Public Affairs Office at sm.fs.sfnfpao@usda.gov
• Prescribed Fire Information and Signage: Updates on prescribed fire activities will be available on the NM Fire Info website and InciWeb. Proper signage will be placed in areas where needed to inform the public about ongoing pile burn activity.
• Community Outreach: District fire staff will notify residents, businesses, landowners, cooperators, local fire departments, and smoke-sensitive individuals in the immediate area adjacent to the pile burns.
• District Offices: Contact information for specific SFNF districts is available atwww.fs.usda.gov/contactus/santafe/about-forest/contactus