Smoke May Linger Into Weekend

The Forest Service is conducting a prescribed fire today in the Aztec Springs area in the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed, just north of Nichols Reservoir. The plan is to burn 304 acres and all the firing activity should be completed by the end of today. Smoke and flames are likely to be visible from Santa Fe into the evening hours; smoke may linger into the weekend.

The Forest Service advises that winds are likely to push remaining smoke into the city. 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 by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at 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 and how to create a clean air space in your home, go to https://facnm.org/smoke#smokeanchor5.

 Fire updates will be posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information, contact the Española Ranger Station at (505) 753-7331.