SANTA FE, NM – September 28, 2018 – For Immediate Release.
To take advantage of favorable conditions, to include fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts, fire managers on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) expect to begin ignitions sometime between October 15 and November 30 on Joaquin piles to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire.
Weather permitting, crews are expected to treat up to 347 acres of the Joaquin piles.
The Joaquin piles area is located along the southern edge of Forest Road (FR) 534 and west of FR 376 about six miles west of Jemez Springs. Smoke may be visible from Cuba, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, and Highway 4.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire adapted ecosystems. The prescribed burns mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. The Joaquin piles burn, as it removes dead forest fuels, will also promote forest health.
Prescribed burns are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
Information on air quality and protecting your health using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program/.
For additional information about the Joaquin piles burn, contact the Jemez Ranger District at (575)829-3535.