On November 14, forest officials announced their plans to utilize recent snowfall to advance their prescribed burn initiatives aimed at managing forest health and reducing wildfire risks. The U.S. Forest Service scheduled ignitions for pile burns in the Española Ranger District, specifically targeting a 52-acre area known as the North Ridge Unit, which is located along Hyde Park Road and adjacent to the Black Canyon Campground. Fire managers anticipate that these burns can be completed within a single day. Although the burns are intended to minimize hazardous fuel loads, officials advised that smoke may be visible in Santa Fe and surrounding regions, encouraging smoke-sensitive individuals to take necessary precautions.
The primary goal of these pile burns is to safely consume “slash,” which comprises cut branches and debris resulting from forest thinning activities. Forest thinning is a crucial component of wildfire management, as it reduces available fuel that could potentially intensify fire outbreaks. As part of the burn strategy, forest officials noted the expected southwest winds later in the week, which would aid in smoke dispersion, thereby making conditions favorable for burning operations. According to Kerry Jones, a meteorologist with the Forest Service, the upcoming weather conditions seem favorable for completing this essential work, even with more accumulating snow anticipated in the region shortly thereafter.
In addition to the pile burns scheduled for Friday, officials also initiated an ignition near the Deer Lakes community close to Cuba on the preceding Thursday. While an ignition was originally planned for a pile burn near the Seven Springs community, this activity was postponed according to announcements from the Santa Fe National Forest. Resources were instead redirected to focus on a 43-acre prescribed burn project located near La Cueva, where ignitions were expected to commence on Saturday. This efficient management of resources exemplifies the adaptive strategies employed by the Forest Service in response to changing conditions.
Furthermore, ignitions for prescribed burns were also slated to begin in the Coyote Ranger District on Saturday, underscoring the broad scope of the agency’s fire management initiatives across the region. To facilitate community engagement and provide pertinent information, the Forest Service organized an open house at the Coyote Ranger District Office on Friday. During the open house, fire managers were available to address inquiries regarding upcoming pile burn projects that are tentatively planned within the ranger district, promoting transparency and awareness in fire management practices.
As the Forest Service works to refine its burn schedule, it assures the public that updated information regarding specific burn locations and dates will be shared on their official website and social media channels. The Santa Fe National Forest will maintain an active presence on their www.fs.usda.gov/santafe website alongside their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/santafeNF. Additionally, the New Mexico Fire Information website, nmfireinfo.com, will serve as a valuable resource for the public seeking information about prescribed burns, ensuring that communities can remain informed about fire management efforts and any potential air quality impacts.
Overall, these prescribed burns are not only a strategic response to recent snowfall but part of an ongoing commitment to forest management and community safety. By preemptively addressing fuel loads, the Forest Service aims to mitigate the risks posed by wildfires, especially in light of the changing climate and increased fire threats. Through community engagement and efficient resource allocation, the agency exemplifies a proactive approach to fire risk reduction, ultimately contributing to the health and resilience of New Mexico’s forests.