Hidden Springs unit of Collins Park project to be burned between late April and early May
SILVER CITY, NM, April 16, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District is preparing to implement a prescribed fire in the 1,196-acre Hidden Springs unit of the Collins Park prescribed fire project in late April or early May. The Hidden Springs unit is located approximately 5 miles east-southeast of the Eagle Peak Lookout, on the west side of Forest Road 94 (Cox Canyon Road) and framed by Cox Canyon to the west and North Fork Negrito Creek to the south.
“This project will help reduce fuel loading following commercial firewood sales in the area,” said Acting Reserve District Ranger Maribeth Pecotte. “Fire is one of the most effective and efficient tools for removing hazardous fuels and restoring natural forest structure and watersheds in fire-dependent southwestern forest ecosystems.”
Staff are keeping a close eye on weather and fuel moisture and coordinating with other units to have resources available when conditions are right to achieve the objectives of this prescribed fire.
Low-lying smoke and heavy presence of firefighters on forest roads may periodically impact the public’s access to areas adjacent to the prescribed fire. If this occurs, road guards and/or signs will be in place to warn of hazards. Smoke may linger at night and early morning and will be visible from Reserve, Aragon, Apache Creek, and Cruzville. The Forest Service is coordinating with New Mexico Environment Department and will follow smoke management guidelines.
When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends reducing physical activity and staying indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at https://fire.airnow.gov /. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .