Pile Burning Occurring in Cuba Ranger District

Sandoval Signpost Staff

If you see smoke on the horizon, it may be because Santa Fe National Forest is conducting prescribed burning of debris piles in the Cuba Ranger District.

Already delayed for two weeks because of snow and windy conditions, the burning of piles in the Deer Lake area began on Monday. Burns will be spaced out during the first two weeks of March, according to a news release.

The burn area for consists of about 110 acres and is adjacent to NM 125 east of Cuba between mile markers 7 and 10.

Smoke from the burns may be visible from US 550, NM 96, NM 126, NM 197 and from the communities of Cuba, La Jara and Torreon.

"Burning these piles is one step in a series of actions to reduce the risks of wildfires from threatening our communities," the news release says. "The trees in these areas were thinned to remove ladder fuels and help prevent crown fires. The resulting piles are being burned to remove the fuel from the ground, further reducing the risk of wildfires from spreading as well as making it easier for suppression crews to work should a wildfire occur in the area."

The burns are being conducted this time of year ahead of windier, drier conditions in the spring.