Santa Fe National Forest fire marshals began ignitions on the 1,701-acre North Joaquin prescribed fire project on Thursday, Sept. 26, completing 700 acres by the end of the day. Ignitions will continue until Saturday, when 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 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

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.

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

The closure order includes:

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

The Jemez Ranger Station will be open to the public to obtain information about Joaquin North Prescribed Fires or to purchase firewood permits on Saturday, September 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.