Quemado, NM, September 6, 2018—The Quemado Ranger District, Gila National Forest plans to begin prescribed burning operations starting the week of September 13. Based on weather conditions prescribed burning could continue thru the end of September.

Two areas have been targeted for prescribed fire. The first is the Baca Slash Pit located northeast of Quemado Lake Subdivision and west of Forest Service Road 13D (T2S, R15W Section 6). The Baca Slash Pit is used by residents to dispose of activity slash generated from firewise activities. It is anticipated ignitions will take one or two days to complete. After ignitions are completed district personnel will patrol and monitor the pit. The district is requesting people refrain from adding additional material into the pit, until the slash is out.

The second area being targeted for prescribed fire is the fuelwood area located in Dead Horse Canyon near the junction of County Road A095 and Forest Service Road 93 (T2S, R15W various sections). The fuelwood area consists of piled activity slash generated from woodcutting. Between 300-400 acres are being targeted for treatment.

Recent moisture has resulted in ideal conditions for pile burning. The grass surrounding the piles has greened up which limits fire spread away from the piles. No road or area closures are in place. If you are in the area you may see and smell smoke. Information on air quality and protecting your health using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website https://nmtracking.org/fire or by calling 1-888-878-8992. Fire information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com .

If you have any questions in reference to the prescribed burning activities contact Emily Irwin, District Ranger, at 575-773-4578.

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