Jemez Springs, NM – Firing operations to manage the lightning-caused Hidden Valley fire are expected to be completed today. Yesterday, favorable conditions allowed fire fighters to treat an additional 150 acres on the south and southwest portions of South Mountain, for a total of approximately 450 acres.

Smoke from management operations will be visible from all directions coming into the Jemez Mountains area, and may linger in surrounding low-lying areas at night and in to the early morning. The lightning-caused Venado Fire on the Santa Fe National Forest is also creating a significant amount of smoke in the area. NPS officials are sharing resources with managers on the Venado Fire to minimize impacts to the public.

Individuals’ sensitive to smoke and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures as operations continue through the weekend. Motorists on NM State Route 4 are urged to use caution as smoke from the Hidden Valley Fire could create brief periods of reduced visibility during the day and into the evening hours.

Weather conditions for today include maximum temperature of 86 degrees, with light and variable winds into the afternoon, at about four to six miles per hour.

For the duration of the Hidden Valley Fire, the South Mountain and Hidden Valley areas of the preserve will be closed to the public.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com