Silver City, NM, May 30, 2019— Fire personnel from the Silver City Ranger District are implementing the Cameron Creek Prescribed Fire north of Ft. Bayard today.  Phase 2 of this project is approximately 900 acres and consists of pinon, juniper, and grasses.  The purpose of this broadcast burn is to reduce hazardous fuels and improving watershed conditions.

The Forest has applied temporary closure order for the immediate area which prevents visitors from traversing the Big Tree trail system.

Smoke will be visible and could impact north of the Fort Bayard area and the Village of Santa Clara.  Smoke could possibly drift into the Mimbres Valley during evening hours but should lift by mid-morning. Smoke from the prescribed fire will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met.  A smoke monitor is set up at the Fort Bayard Medical Center and live tracking can be found at https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap for smoke monitor unit USFS1036.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila