Prescribed burns in the east mountains

The US Forest Service sent out a notice this morning about prescribed burning planned this week in the Sandia-Manzano mountains east of Albuquerque. They’re working on two sites.

From the news release, this one’s planned for today (Wed. 2/6/13):

The Casa Loma area,  1 ½ miles north of I-40 and ¼ mile west of North 14 on the forest. Total project area is 15 acres and should be completed that day.  Smoke will be visible and expected to have variable effects to neighboring communities. Expect some low open flame from stumps and slash. When done we will continue to mop up and patrol the area.

Then tomorrow (also from the news release):

On Thursday February 7, 2013, the Talking Talons Project Unit B burn will continue, depending on weather and the availability of resources. This burn is 40 acres and is located between the two Talking Talons A and C Units that we have completed in the past few weeks. It is located one mile south of I-40 and the Zuzax exit.  The Talking Talons Prescribe Burn is a continuation of a fuels reduction program here on the Sandia Ranger District. Smoke will be very visible from I-40 and the surrounding communities of Cedar Crest and Tijeras.