Prescribed Burn Planned On Santa Fe National Forest Cuba Ranger District

SANTA FE, NM – Dec. 15, 2015 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are planning a prescribed pile burn on the Cuba Ranger District. The La Jara prescribed pile burn, a total of 77 acres located just northeast of the community of La Jara, may be conducted Jan. 1 through March 30, 2016, only on favorable days as conditions allow. Small blocks may be treated 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.  The prescribed burns are designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Smoke from the prescribed burns will be monitored, and the information will be available to provide health advisories as necessary.  Lingering smoke may be present for up to one week after ignitions are complete. Smoke will likely be visible from La Jara, Cuba, Regina, Highway 96 and 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 website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

For additional information about the La Jara pile burn, please contact the Cuba Ranger District at 575-289-3264.

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