Critical scenario training helps resources be prepared for real-life incidents

SILVER CITY, NM, March 4, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District’s fire crews will be using live fire during a training session Wednesday, March 6, as conditions allow, in the Fort Bayard area. The purpose of the exercise is to develop and prepare district personnel for the upcoming wildfire season.

“Live fire critical scenario trainings allow firefighters to practice their skills with active fire and under controlled conditions, to be better prepared for real-life situations,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “The Silver City Hot Shots and two engine crews will take part in the training this week.”

Live fire will be used on less than 1 acre of Gila National Forest lands located east of the Forest Service administrative site. None of the Fort Bayard area trails will be affected. The project will help support site maintenance by reducing hazardous fuels adjacent to the two housing units and administrative facilities at the Fort Bayard Administrative site.

Smoke is expected to be minimal, but may be visible from U.S. Highway 180 and New Mexico Highway 152 near Santa Clara, Arenas Valley, Bayard, and the Hanover areas.The project area will be signed and posted for public awareness.

Smoke can be expected to settle into valleys and low-lying areas surrounding these prescribed fire projects, especially at night and in the early morning, normally decreasing as daytime weather prevails. Air quality 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 athttps://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .