ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Santa Fe National Forest fire managers are preparing for prescribed pile burns this week as snow and precipitation forecast for January 8 may create favorable conditions. The burns are part of ongoing hazardous fuels reduction work aimed at lowering wildfire risk.
Pile burning treats slash—branches and debris left by thinning crews—to reduce flammable fuels. Officials say decisions to ignite will depend on snowpack, air quality, ventilation, weather, wind, and resource availability.
“Prescribed fire helps reduce overgrown vegetation and protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires,” forest managers noted.
Planned Burn Locations:
- Jemez Ranger District:
San Diego Egress Piles – 17 acres along Ponderosa Road off NM State Road 4, about two miles north of the Jemez Ranger Station. Ignitions expected for 1–2 days. Smoke visible from NM 4, Jemez Springs, and San Ysidro. - Española Ranger District:
Tesuque Piles – 435 acres north of Santa Fe near Hyde Park Road and Forest Road 102. Visible from Ski Santa Fe.
Hyde Park North Ridge Piles – 42 acres north of Black Canyon Campground. Ignitions planned for 2–3 days.
Once burns are complete, crews will patrol and monitor units using infrared detection devices, handheld thermal cameras, and drones to confirm when burns are fully out.
Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities during ignition periods. Officials will notify county emergency management when burning begins. Updates will be posted on the Santa Fe National Forest website, social media, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system.
