Jackpot Burning Continues North of Taos

Fire crews continued jackpot burning today, treating another 100 acres between San Cristobal and Arroyo Hondo. Tomorrow they plan to treat 160 acres next to Highway 522 at D.H. Lawrence Ranch Road. Drivers are advised to slow down for smoke and the safety of crew members.

Today’s lower acreage treatment was due to the forecasted ventilation rate, which measures the potential of smoke dispersing out of an area. When the rate is lower, crews cease burning or limit the number of acres or volume of wood burned in order to reduce smoke exposure to local neighborhoods. This is done in coordination with the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau.

An interactive map of the prescribed fire area and more information is available online.

Photo: Smoke from pile burning rises behind a home in Turley Mill earlier this week.