Tres Piedras District to conduct prescribed burn

TAOS, NM — Fire managers on the Carson National Forest in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish plan to take advantage of favorable conditions and weather forecasts to implement the Tio Gordito prescribed burn. Fire managers expect to begin ignitions on October 22 and hand ignition may take five to ten days to complete.

The 387 acre pile and slash burn is located on the west side of US Highway 285, four miles south of Tres Piedras. The project boundary includes FS road 222, 578, and 578G.

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to natural resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. The Tio Gordito prescribed burn is being implemented to:

·  Reduce the threat of high severity, high intensity wildfires

·  Protect private property in the Wildland Urban Interface area around the community of Tres Piedras

·  Improve forest health and forest structure

·  Enhance wildlife habitat

When conducted in a controlled manner, these prescribed fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed fires are conducted with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

Smoke may be visible from the communities of Tres Piedras, Questa, Arroyo Hondo, Des Montes, Arroyo Seco, Taos, Espanola, Ojo Caliente, and as well as Antonito and Alamosa. Smoke may also impact US Highway 64 and US Highway 285.

Smoke from the prescribed burn will be monitored to ensure New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau regulations are met. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

For more information, contact the Tres Piedras Ranger District at 575-758-8678.