January 6, 2022 
Jan. 6, 2022 — Fire managers on the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are implementing the previously announced Cordovas prescribed pile burn today and tomorrow.
Crews are using hand ignitions on the 157-acre treatment area off Forest Road 103 approximately 3 miles west/southwest of the community of Mesa Poleo. Motorists can expect increase fire-related traffic and are advised to avoid the area to help ensure firefighter and public safety.
Winter is an optimal time to burn slash piles because snow on the ground keeps the fire from spreading to adjacent vegetation. Generally, pile burns produce less smoke and burn with less intensity than broadcast burns across a larger landscape.
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 Gallina, Capulin, Mesa Poleo and Coyote as well as the State Highway 96 and US Highway 84 corridors.
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 and how to create a clean air space in your home, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.
# # #
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.