Prescribed Fire Update Pile Burns Tentatively Planned in Coyote and Cuba Districts

SANTA FE, N.M., Dec. 6, 2023— Fire crews have scheduled potential prescribed fires in
both the Coyote and Cuba ranger districts as early as Monday, Dec. 11. Operations will involve
pile burns which are intended to reduce hazardous fuels, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve
forest health. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors,
including persistent snowpack, air quality, ventilation, and resource availability. The pile burns
are patrolled regularly and an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) with infrared capability will help
fire personnel determine when the pile burns are called out. A prescribed fire is determined to
be out when vegetation is no longer burning within the area.
Coyote Ranger District

• The Gobernador pile burn is 172 acres located off Forest Roads 8, 169 and 64. Fuels are hand
  constructed piles. The requirement for this pile burn to proceed is sufficient snow fall on and
  around the pile units to prevent fire from spreading outside the project unit. This pile burn aims
  to reduce hazardous fuels, restore resiliency to areas such as the Rio Chama watershed, and
  improve wildlife habitat. Piles will be lit individually and allowed to consume the fuels within
  the pile.
• The Lino pile burn is 99 acres located at the south end of the district off Forest Road 103 on
  Forest Road 461KA. The requirement for this pile burn to proceed is sufficient snow fall on and
  around the pile units to prevent fire from spreading outside the project unit. The objectives are to
  reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildlife habitat.
• A public meeting is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:00 p.m. at the Coyote district office.

Cuba Ranger District

• The American Park pile burn is 250 acres located off State Highway 126, Forest Roads 69, 70,
  93, and 103. The same snowpack requirement stands for this pile burn to proceed. The
  objectives are restoring forest health and resiliency by decreasing hazardous fuel loadings to
  adjacent private lands, structures, and improvements.
• A public meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cuba district office.

As pile burn locations and dates are confirmed, the SFNF will post regular updates to our SFNF
Website, Facebook page, NM Fire Info and InciWeb.