Quemado, NM; October 25, 2012-Along with prescribed fires scheduled in late October on the Silver City, Reserve, and Wilderness Ranger Districts on the Gila National Forest, the Quemado Ranger District on the northern part of the forest is also planning a fall prescribed fire.

Pending favorable weather conditions, the District's prescribed fire on the Slaughter Mesa Unit 14 is expected to start October 31 – November 3, 2012 or November 5 – 9, 2012.

Fire managers take advantage of lower temperatures during the fall months to conduct prescribed fires and reduce fuel loading (dead trees and branches, needles, etc.) on the ground that helps in the management of wildland fires.

Objectives: Provide for firefighter and public safety while reducing accumulated surface litter, dead and down fuels, and to kill small new growth trees. Meet all requirements of the New Mexico Environment Department in regards to smoke management

Planned acreage: 455 acres

Location: in the Slaughter Mesa area south of the Forest Road 13 and 93 junction, approximately 22 miles south/southeast of Quemado, NM

Smoke will be visible in the Quemado Lake, Mangas, Apache Creek, Aragon, and Armijo Springs area during early morning and evening hours and is expected to decrease as daytime temperatures increase.

Further information: District Fire Management Officer Nate Nozie, 575.773.4678

Fire personnel will closely monitor the prescribed fire throughout its duration.