SANTA FE, NM – October 18, 2021 – If conditions remain favorable, the fire managers of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are considering implementing the previously announced Santa Fe Watershed fire in the Española Ranger District tomorrow.
The decision to proceed depends on several factors including resource availability, fuel humidity, air quality, ventilation, and forecasted weather and wind. Prescribed burns are designed to achieve specific goals and are always treated with fire service and public safety first.
Crews will use hand and air ignition to treat up to 350 acres north of the Nichols Reservoir in the lower part of the Santa Fe urban watershed.
The Santa Fe Watershed Mandatory Incineration is specifically designed to enhance and protect the 17,384 acre Municipal Watershed, which provides more than 40% of the water for the city of Santa Fe, by removing dead forest fuels and reducing the risk of high intensity forest fires be reduced in the catchment area and in the immediate vicinity.
The SFNF manages all mandatory fires in accordance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Due to the watershed’s proximity to the city and the terrain, which tends to draw smoke towards Santa Fe, mandatory burns within its boundaries can affect inhabited areas. The SFNF works with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to monitor air quality during a scheduled ignition and limit the severity of smoke exposure.
Smoke will likely be visible from Santa Fe, Tesuque, Glorieta, Pecos Canyon, El Dorado, and I-25. Smoke may settle at lower altitudes and drains overnight, but should rise by mid-morning. After the ignition is complete, there may be persistent smoke for up to a week.
People sensitive to smoke and those with respiratory problems or heart conditions are advised to take precautions. For information about air quality and how to protect your health using the 5-3-1 visibility method, visit 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, please visit https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.
Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information, contact Española Ranger Station at (505) 753-7331.
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