BLM Farmington Field Office plans pile burn near Navajo Lake

FARMINGTON, N.M. – Beginning now through this winter, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office is planning to burn piles on a two-acre unit, weather permitting. The unit is located near Highway 511 between mile markers 17-20, approximately 5 miles north/northwest of Navajo Lake State Park. This project is being conducted in coordination with the New Mexico State Land Office.

The project will take approximately one day to complete. Smoke may be visible from Highway 511, County Road 4600, Highway 64, and Navajo Lake. Signs will be posted along roadways to inform travelers of the smoke. When in the area, please reduce speed and watch for fire personnel and equipment. Crews will monitor the burn until it is declared out. Information on the pile burns will be distributed in the local area.

The purpose of the project is to reduce accumulations of vegetation on BLM and state lands around the community of West Navajo and to improve the health of the piñon and juniper woodland. Piles were created from hand-thinning using chainsaws and crews. Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to reduce fire hazards and reinvigorate vegetation. By reducing the volume of vegetation under specific conditions, the dangers and risks associated with wildfires can be reduced.

Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit https://www.airnow.gov/.

For further information, contact BLM Farmington District Fuels Technician Jake Quintana at 505-564-7751. You can also follow the implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com or facebook.com/nmfireinfo.