October 19, 2021 
SANTA FE, NM – Oct. 19, 2021 – Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are looking for an optimal window between today and Nov. 30 to conduct the previously announced Diego prescribed burn on the Cuba Ranger District as early as Wednesday.
The 374-acre treatment area is north of the community of Gilman and 1 mile east of the Rancho del Chaparral Girl Scout Camp. Crews may treat small blocks each day to decrease the volume of smoke.
The decision to proceed will depend on multiple factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and wind. 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. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives. The Diego prescribed burn is designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health.
The SFNF manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke will likely be visible from the communities of Gilman, La Cueva, Canon, the Pueblo of Jemez, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and from NM Highway 4, NM Highway 126 and US Highway 550.
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 Cuba Ranger District at 575-289-3264.
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