The Sulphur Canyon and North Hondo Prescribed Fires will be implemented from now until the end of March 2018

Albuquerque, NM, December 4, 2017 – Fire Managers from Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, along with cooperators, will execute several prescribed fires on the Sandia Ranger District this fall and winter when conditions are favorable.  These planned ignitions are conducted under specific conditions to restore fire dependent ecosystems by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. They are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. The following will be conducted as conditions allow:

Sulphur Prescribed Fire – up to 92 acres of piles will be treated to promote forest health and provide wildfire protection to nearby communities.  The fuel type is Ponderosa Pine, Oak brush, Pinon-Juniper, and mixed Conifer.  This site is located in the Sulphur Forest Restoration Project Area, approximately one mile west of Sandia Park.

North Hondo Prescribed Fire – up to 130 acres of piles will be treated to reduce fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and create a fuel break between the Sandia Mountain Wilderness boundary and the private land to the east.  This is part of the Hondo Environmental Assessment, located near Cole Springs, west of New Mexico Highway 14 and Cañoncito Road in Cedar Crest, NM.

Prescribed fires are planned in coordination with the New Mexico Department of Environmental Quality http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/ and every effort is made to minimize smoke impacts; however, smoke from prescribed fires is inevitable.  Nearby recreation sites, the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway and some adjacent communities may be temporarily impacted by smoke.  Smoke will likely be visible from Albuquerque, the Village of Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Interstate 40, and Hwy 14 north to Santa Fe.

Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.  Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found on the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/fire

Additional information:

• Located on Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District
• Legal Location: Township 11 North, Range 5 East, Sections 23 & 14
• Duration: 1-3 days once ignition begins
• Approximately 2-7 personnel from the US Forest Service, Albuquerque Fire Department, La Madera Volunteer Fire Department, & Bernalillo County Fire Department will be assisting.
• Ignition operations will begin at approximately 9:00 AM and will cease no later than 3:00 PM.
• On scene equipment will include fire engines, UTV’s, portable water tanks, and pumps. Hand crews and support personnel will also be present.
• For more information, please call the Sandia Ranger District at 505-281-3304.

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