| SFNF May Implement Mesa Potrero Prescribed Burn in Coyote District Next Week

SANTA FE, New Mexico – December 2, 2021 – Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers plan to implement the previously announced Mesa Potrero prescribed burn in the Coyote Ranger District starting Monday, December 6 and through Friday, December 6 . ten.

The crews will use manual and aerial ignitions to treat 500 acres approximately 7 miles north of the community of Gallina and 14 miles northwest of the Coyote district office. Forest road 77 will remain open, but motorists can expect increased traffic related to the fires and are urged to find alternative routes to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public.

The decision to go ahead will depend on several factors, including resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, and weather and wind forecasts. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighters and public safety as a top priority.

Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers to restore fire-adapted ecosystems. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives. The Mesa Potrero Prescribed Burn is designed to remove dead forest fuels, ensure community protection and promote forest health.

The SFNF manages all prescribed burns in accordance with New Mexico State Air Quality and Smoke Management regulations. Smoke will likely be visible from the communities of Gallina, Coyote, Youngsville, Regina, Llaves, Lindrith, Ghost Ranch, Christ’s Monastery in the Desert, Abiquiu, and possibly Canjilon, Chama, Española, and Counselor.

People sensitive to smoke and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health using the 5-3-1 visibility method is available online at the Department of Health’s Environmental Public Health (EPHT) monitoring website. New Mexico (NMDOH) at https://nmtracking.org/fire. People with health concerns can also call NMDOH at 505-827-0006 for more information. For more information on the HEPA Filter Loan Program, visit https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

Updates on the fires will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Facebook pages and Twitter pages. For more information, contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575-638-5526.

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