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SFNF Plans Prescribed Burn on Jemez District
Release Date: Oct 12, 2021
Contact(s): Julie Anne Overton
SANTA FE, NM – Oct. 12, 2021 – Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are looking for an optimal window between now and the end of October to conduct the Stable Canyon prescribed burn. The 1,600-acre treatment area is adjacent to Forest Road 604 approximately 6 miles north/northwest of the village of Jemez Springs.
Ignitions could begin as early as Wednesday, Oct. 13. A final decision on whether to proceed depends on multiple conditions, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecasted weather. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds.
The SFNF manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke from the Stable Canyon prescribed burn may be visible from US Route 550, Cañon, Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, Sierra Los Pinos, La Cueva, Gilman, Ponderosa and Fenton Lake State Park.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for additional information. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.
Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information, contact the Jemez Ranger Station at 575-829-3535.
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