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Ignitions begin Wednesday January 8 on the Hill Pile Burn unit in the Jemez Ranger District Santa Fe, N.M.

January 7, 2025 — On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, fire managers from the Jemez Ranger District will begin ignitions on 7-acres of the Hill Pile Burn unit. The project is located along Forest Road 376 on the hillside adjacent to Fogon Canyon approximately 3 miles from the junction with NM State Road 126. Fire managers are planning one day of ignitions and smoke may be visible from the community of Gilman. 

Jemez Ranger District fire staff are also tentatively planning ignitions on the 17-acre San Diego Egress Pile Burn unit on January 9 and 10, depending on snow accumulation and forecast weather. The project is located adjacent to Ponderosa Road and NM State Road 4, 2 miles north of The Village of Jemez Springs. 

Over the coming months, fire managers will continue to look for ideal weather conditions to conduct pile burn projects throughout the forest. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on several factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, forecast weather conditions, wind, and resource availability. 

Once pile burn projects are completed, resources will shift towards patrolling and monitoring these units. Fire crews will utilize infrared detection devices, such as handheld thermal cameras and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (fixed-wing or drones), to assist in determining when to call the pile burns out. 

To learn more about these prescribed fire projects contact the Jemez District Office by phone (575) 829-3535 or visit the office at 51 Woodsy Lane, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. To learn more about Santa Fe National Forest Fire Management visit the SFNF website, NM Fire Info, Inciweb, and SFNF social media (Facebook and X). 

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