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Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 07 September 2018 07 September 2018

Silver City, NM, September 7, 2018—The Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest plans to begin prescribed burning operations between October and February 2019, based on weather conditions. 

The area being targeted for prescribed fire treatment this fall is an area known as the Jaybird Unit. This site is located approximately 12 miles north of Silver City in the Pinos Altos Range east of Highway 15. Approximately 2,565 acres are being targeted for treatment.
Recent moisture has resulted in ideal conditions for prescribed burning. Vegetation has greened up which limits fire spread. No road or area closures are planned for the Jaybird Unit area. If you are in the area you may see and smell smoke. Signs and agency employees will be posted on Highway 15 during active and post burning for information on road and smoke conditions. Hunters utilizing the area for hunting may be impacted. 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 about the Jaybird prescribed burn unit project, call us at 575-388-8201. 

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