Prescribed Burn in Southwest Jemez Mountains Restoration Project Postponed (Santa Fe National Forest)

SANTA FE, NM – October 9, 2015 – For Immediate Release.  Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are postponing the previously announced prescribed burn on the south end of the Paliza treatment area within the boundaries of the Southwest Jemez Mountains Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project on the Jemez Ranger District.

Fire managers had hoped to begin the prescribed burn as early as Monday, October 12, but today determined that there is too much uncertainty about forecasted conditions, including the ventilation necessary to help disperse smoke.

The Paliza prescribed burn will be postponed until at least October 19 after the Duke City Marathon on Sunday, October 18.  The window for the Paliza burn extends through October 31.  The decision to burn will be dependent on favorable conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts.

The Santa Fe National Forest will keep the public updated on the Paliza prescribed burn. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems.  These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity.  Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives. The Paliza prescribed burn is designed to improve and protect the Ponderosa Watershed by reducing the risk for high-intensity wildfire.  Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

For additional information about the prescribed burn, please contact the Jemez Ranger Station at 575-829-3535.

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