Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District prepares prescribed burns

Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 08 March 2023 08 March 2023

Willow and Pinos Altos projects will protect local communities by reducing hazardous fuels

SILVER CITY, NM, March 8, 2023 – The Silver City Ranger District is planning to burn two prescribed fire projects, including the 3,400-acre Willow Prescribed Fire project in the Burro Mountains and the Pinos Altos Prescribed Fire project, which consists of multiple 2- to 20-acre units in the Bear Creek drainage. Both projects will be burned in phases between March 27 and late May 2023. The exact dates of implementation are subject to change based on weather and fuel conditions this spring. 

The Willow prescribed fire is designed to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and improve range forage. Both prescribed fire projects will protect private infrastructure in the wildland urban interface by reducing hazardous fuels and fire intensities if a wildfire were to occur. Smoke production is expected to be minimal and localized. Fire managers will monitor fuel conditions and weather to determine the appropriate time to implement. 

The Willow project is located east of Grant County Road 4-24 (Redrock Road) and adjacent to the Sawmill Prescribed Fire that was completed in the spring of 2021. A short segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through the burn area – a reroute will be identified to be used during project implementation. Anticipate road, trail, and area closures during this project to ensure firefighter and public safety. Once ignition begins, the project will last for approximately two weeks. 

The Pinos Altos project will occur throughout the spring when conditions are favorable for introducing low-intensity fire into ponderosa pine stands. The project is located along the west side of New Mexico Highway 15, in Bear Creek drainage adjacent to the Continental Divide Trail, across from the Arrastra Site. These small burn units will help to protect the community of Pinos Altos and build upon ongoing work by our partners with the State of New Mexico and Bureau of Land Management. There will be smoke impacts to the town of Pinos Altos, residents in the Bear Creek drainage, and Highway 15. Expect intermittent delays on Highway 15 and temporary closures of the Continental Divide Trail during implementation. 

 

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