Posted: Saturday, January 23, 2016 The New Mexican
The Santa Fe Fire Department and conservation groups plan to ignite a prescribed burn Monday on 30 acres near the municipal watershed, depending on weather conditions.
The New Mexico Environment Department and the state Department of Health issued a smoke advisory for areas along Hyde Park Road and neighborhoods along the Santa Fe River near Canyon Road, Cerro Gordo Road and Alameda Street.
The advisory said smoke most likely would be evident in the evenings and early morning hours following burning, and “could linger in affected areas until inversions lift, typically by mid- to late-morning hours.”
“Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and intensify chronic heart and lung problems,” the advisory said. “People with heart and/or lung disease, adults over age 65, young children and pregnant women should minimize outdoor activities during times when the visibility is about 5 miles or less. … When the visibility starts to go below 3 miles, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activities until air quality improves.”
Contingent on wind, relative humidity, temperature and expected weather patterns, city fire crews plan to conduct the burn along with The Nature Conservancy and The Forest Stewards Guild.
“The work is part of the Fire Department’s mission to reduce risk to lives and property from wildfire,” an announcement said. “Pile burning is often part of reducing hazardous fuels and is needed to reduce the heat, intensity, and spread of future potential wildfire,” the statement said.
During the burn periods, information regarding the project can be obtained by calling 470-0185. Information will also be posted at www.forestguild.org/ControlledBurning.