The Jemez Ranger District tentatively plans to implement the North Joaquin prescribed burn in mid-September

Santa Fe, NM, September 9, 2024– Jemez Ranger District fire managers plan to begin ignitions on the 1,701-acre prescribed fire project in North Joaquin as early as mid-September. The project area is approximately 6 miles west of Jemez Springs and 3 miles south of the Rancho de Chaparral Boy Scout camp. The North Joaquin prescribed fire is part of the Chaparral National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision aimed at restoring fire-dependent ecosystems, protecting communities from severe wildfires and improving wildlife habitat. Firefighters and public safety are paramount when responding to prescribed fires.

Crews are preparing containment lines using natural features, roads and past burned areas. The western boundary of the project area is adjacent to Rito la Cueva Springs Forest Road 534/Forest Road 376 HD and the eastern boundary is Forest Road 376. A final decision to proceed with a prescribed burn on the SFNF is contingent upon approval from the regulatory administrator and resources based on availability and favorable conditions, including fuel moisture, air quality and forecast weather.

The fire protection officers are planning 2-3 days for the implementation, using a combination of air and hand ignition. After ignitions are completed, firefighters will develop a strategy aimed at securing and maintaining the fire within control lines and patrolling the fire area to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Smoke from the North Joaquin prescribed fire may be visible from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, San Ysidro, Cuba and the Pueblo of Jemez. People sensitive to smoke and those with breathing problems or heart disease are urged to take precautions. To learn more about how the New Mexico Department of Environmental Conservation’s Smoke Management Program ensures prescribed fires are conducted safely, visit the Smoke Management Program (nm.gov).

For information about the HEPA filter loan program, visit https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

For more information about North Joaquin Prescribed Fire, call the Jemez District Office at (575) 829-3535 or visit the office at 51 Woodsy Lane, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. For more information about fire management, visit the SFNF website NM Fire information and SFNF social media (Facebook and X).

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