State warns about Sardinas fire smoke

New Mexico Department of Health officials are monitoring air quality and warning people experiencing health effects from smoke exposure to stay inside as the Sardinas Canyon Fire grows.

The fire started Sunday afternoon in the Carson National Forest about 15 miles southeast of Taos.

Reports from the U.S. Forest Service and National Wildfire Coordinating Group say the fire grew from 85 acres on Tuesday to 800 acres Wednesday.

Communities including Mora, Angel Fire, Taos, Tres Ritos and others could be impacted by smoke from the fire, which is burning mostly aspen, highaltitude mixed conifer and fir trees, the incident command website says.

The state Department of Health on Wednesday issued a warning about potential air quality impacts.

The email warned that people with heart or lung conditions, people over the age of 65, young children and pregnant women should minimize outdoor activity if the smoke gets so bad that visibility is five miles or less.

The agency said smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory track, and “intensify chronic heart and lung problems.”

More information on smoke resources is available at: sfnm.co/ smoke.

Sardinas Canyon Fire updates are available at: sfnm.co/sardinas.