Ignitions begin on North Joaquin prescribed fire in Jemez Ranger District

Fire managers from the Santa Fe National Forest began ignitions on the 1,701-acre North Joaquin prescribed fire project on Thursday September 26 and completed 700 acres by the end of the day. Ignitions will continue through Saturday, then fire crews will transition into a strategy of securing and holding the fire within control lines and patrolling the fire area to mitigate the risk of fire spread.

Smoke may be visible from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Cuba, and the Pueblo of Jemez. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautions. To learn more about how the New Mexico Environment Department Smoke Management Program ensures prescribed fires are carried out safely visit Smoke Management Program (nm.gov). For information on the HEPA filter loan program, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5

The project area is located approximately 6 miles west of Jemez Springs and 3 miles south of Rancho de Chaparral Girl Scout Camp. The North Joaquin prescribed fire is part of the Chaparral National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision with the objectives to restore fire dependent ecosystems, protect communities from high severity wildfire, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as priority.

There will be a temporary area and road closure during project implementation from September 26, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. through October 1, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. to protect public health and safety.

The closure order covers:

• The described area starting at the intersection of FR 376 and FR 534, following FR 534 west to the intersection with FR 376H, then following FR 376H southeast to the intersection with FR 376, and FR 376 north to the intersection with FR 534.
• The described road is FR 376 from the gate north of Gilman Tunnels to the gate at Porter Landing.

The Jemez Ranger Station will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday September 28, for Joaquin North Prescribed Fire Information or to purchase Fuelwood Permits. For more information on the North Joaquin prescribed fire contact the Jemez District Office by phone (575) 829-3535 or visit the office at 51 Woodsy Lane, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. To learn more about fire management visit the SFNF website, NM Fire Info, and SFNF social media (Facebook and X).

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