Closure prevents burn injuries and reignition due to deposit of new material
QUEMADO, NM, Feb. 5, 2025 – The Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District burned a year’s worth of accumulated slash last week at the Baca community slash disposal site, approximately 3 miles northeast of Quemado Lake. The site is temporarily closed while the ashes cool.
“Some residual heat remains in the deeper ash piles within the slash disposal site, which could ignite any new material if it were added now, and which could cause burn injury to individuals entering the area,” said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. “The site is currently closed for the protection of public safety.”
Firefighters will continue to monitor the site for signs of heat, and the site will reopen when all hot spots have cooled. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or