NM Environmental Health Alerts and News
Wildfires
MAGDALENA RANGER DISTRICT PLANS SARGENT PRESCRIBED BURN
MAGDALENA, NM – NOVEMBER 18, 2009 The Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District is planning prescribed burns totaling 800–1,000 acres in the northwestern part of the San Mateo Mountains. Ignition is planned to begin Friday, November 20, 2009, and continue through the weekend, depending on weather and fuel conditions. Prescription parameters include having the appropriate weather forecast and the required personnel and equipment on hand, including identified contingency resources. Fire management crews will patrol for as long as necessary after ignition to ensure public safety.
The Sargent prescribed burn area is located on the Magdalena Ranger District approximately 28 miles southwest of Magdalena, New Mexico and about 33 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. The dominant fuels in the area are Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer and piñon/juniper with light to moderate grass cover. This burn will help improve wildlife habitat and range management.
During this prescribed burn you could experience closures or delays when traveling the following roads: Forest Road (FR) 220, FR 476, FR 477, FR 549, FR 719, and Bolander Canyon Road, Durfee Canyon Road, and Bear Trap Canyon road. Additional fire vehicles will be in the area patrolling and monitoring the road closures. Please drive carefully when on these roads. Visibility might be lower due to smoke. Use caution.
For more information contact the Magdalena Ranger District at 575-854-2281 or e-mail cwolfe@fs.fed.us.
During Prescribed Burns and/or Wildfires, Protect Your Health
Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic heart or lung diseases, such as asthma, are considered at greatest risk from breathing in smoke, especially when they are physically active. Symptoms associated with smoke and/or particulate matter inhalation may include irritation of eyes, nose and throat; headaches; coughing; phlegm; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; and aggravated asthma. Problems can begin a short time after breathing in smoke and without warning. If you have heart or lung disease and experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. In very smoky areas, residents should limit outdoor activities.
Advisory Posted 19 November 2009