Sardinas Canyon Fire causes air quality issues

Monitoring data will be put online

State government agencies say they are monitoring air quality in parts of northern New Mexico affected by smoke from the Sardinas Canyon Fire burning about 18 miles southeast of Taos.

Air quality monitors were expected to be set up Thursday in Mora and at Sipapu to measure conditions and assess the most immediate impacts from the wildfire. Monitoring data will be accessible online once it’s available, according to a statement from the state Department of Health and the Environment Department.

The cause of the fire, which started Tuesday, is under investigation. It’s burning in aspen, high-altitude mixed conifer and sub-alpine fir, and has burned hundreds of acres.

The smoke has caused hazy skies in Santa Fe and is affecting several other communities, including Mora, Angel Fire and Peñasco.

The Department of Health is urging caution, particularly for people with heart and/or lung disease, adults over the age of 65, young children and pregnant women.

The department said they should minimize outdoor activities during times when the visibility is 5 miles or less.

Information on how to determine visibility is available on visit the New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking website, https://nmtracking. org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.