Truth or Consequences, NM, May 17, 2018—The Indian Peaks Prescribed Burn, an estimated 11,000 acres in two burns is scheduled to begin Saturday evening, May 19. The district Fire Management Officer, Dennis Fahl stated that “a window of opportunity has opened up, combining weather conditions and fuel moistures which will allow this activity to proceed.” He anticipates the prescribed burn to take approximately five days.

The project boundary has been prepared by limbing, brushing, and placing control lines. Conditions have been verified. The plan is to burn Units 16 and 20 first and then Unit 13.

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire on the land. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives, including providing community protection and promoting forest health. Prescribed burns are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.

The Black Range favors implementing in the spring because it allows the best opportunity to meet objectives. Historically, fires burned more in the spring. By adding the right fire to the landscape at the right place at the right time, controlled burns mitigate the risk of future high-intensity wildfire, reduce the spread of insects and disease, improve habitat for wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, and promote the growth of healthy trees, wildflowers, and other plants.

Duration of smoke production is hard to predict, but high density smoke should dissipate out within two to three days after active ignitions cease. Smoke will settle in drainages and valley bottoms during the evening and early morning hours. Smoke from the prescribed burn will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being met. Smoke-sensitive individuals and those with respiratory or heart disease should take precautionary measures. Air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website: https://nmtracking.org/fire .

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