Burning of slash piles near Brushy Mountain to reduce hazardous fuels
SILVER CITY, NM, Dec. 16, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Glenwood Ranger District is preparing to use prescribed fire to burn slash piles adjacent to private property at Pine Cienega off of Brushy Mountain Road (Grant County Road 5-12). The prescribed fire project is located approximately 23 miles southwest of Glenwood, New Mexico, and will be implemented through the winter when weather, fuels conditions, and staffing allow.
"Hand thinning that was completed in 2023 was designed to break up the vertical and horizontal continuity of the pinon/juniper forest adjacent to homes, to allow time and space for firefighting efforts if a wildfire should occur. Burning of the slash will complete the fuels reduction project," said Acting Glenwood District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. "This work aligns with the Forest Service objective to restore forests and watersheds, while reducing wildfire threat to communities and critical infrastructure at risk."
The project includes about 300 acres of slash piles that resulted from hazardous fuels thinning efforts initiated in February 2023. Prescribed fire is one of the most efficient and effective tools available for reducing hazardous fuels and wildfire risk to homes and properties in the area.
Smoke may impact residents of the Brushy Mountain Road area and may be visible along U.S. Highway 180, and may settle into valley areas, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Signs will be posted in the area to promote public awareness. This project will be conducted in compliance with New Mexico air quality and health protection measures, which can be found online at the New Mexico Fire Info website: NM Fire Info | Smoke Management. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
