Smoke from Prescribed Fires

Smoke rises from the 2023 Dorado/Cañada del Agua Prescribed Fire near Tres Piedras, N.M. USDA Forest Service photo by Zach Behrens.

Unlike large wildfires, prescribed fires are short-term in duration and planned with advance notice. Staff coordinate with the N.M. Environment Department to conduct ignitions on days when smoke impacts are minimized.

Nonetheless, smoke will be present and may settle in some local or farther out areas in the evenings and overnight.

Smoke-Ready Tips

Taking care of your health is important as smoke can affect everyone’s health. And preparing for prescribed fire helps you become smoke-ready for wildfires, when smoke abruptly shows up and can last longer. Here are some tips:

Personal Actions

  • Stay in the loop: Get advanced notice for prescribed fires.
  • Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Close your windows, including overnight, when smoke can worsen.
  • Take care of your health: Reduce physical activity when smoke is present.
  • Have a Backup Plan: Be willing to change plans to avoid smoke.
  • Monitor: Use the Fire and Smoke Map to monitor the air quality and take specific actions. An air quality specialist may install a temporary air monitor near some prescribed fires.

Air Filters

  • Buy: Consider upgrading your central air system filter or use high efficiency portable air cleaners. Use this wildland fire fact sheet for guidance.
  • DIY: Do it yourself and make an air cleaner using a box fan and filters.
  • Borrow: A limited number of portable air purifiers with HEPA filters, donated by the Forest Stewards Guild, are available for loan during prescribed fires on the Canjilon, El Rito and Tres Piedras ranger districts. Contact information is provided upon announcement of prescribed fires (get announcements by email).

Learn more about becoming smoke-ready with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Big Picture

In 2023, the Forest Service signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the EPA and CDC to protect communities from the impacts of wildfire smoke, while promoting land management practices, like prescribed fire, that reduce the risk of large, severe fires. Read the MOU and work plan.

 

Planned Prescribed Fire Section Links