Cuba Ranger District May Begin Diego Prescribed Burn on Monday
Release Date: Oct 14, 2016
Contact(s): Julie Anne Overton
SANTA FE, NM – Oct. 14, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are planning to start the Diego prescribed burn on the Cuba Ranger District as early as Monday, Oct. 17, if conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts, are favorable.
The 387-acre treatment area is located 14 miles southeast of Cuba and east of the Chaparral Girls Scout Camp. (Latitude/longitude for the Diego prescribed burn: N 35 53’ 33.7” and W 106 45’ 14.7”.) Fire crews expect to treat 100 acres each day to decrease the daily smoke volume.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives. The Diego prescribed burn is designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health. These fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Smoke from the Diego prescribed burn will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met. Smoke will likely be visible from the communities of Gilman, Canon, the Pueblo of Jemez, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and from NM Highway 4 and NM Highway 550.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.
For additional information about the Diego burn, please contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575.289.3264.
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