Gila National Forest prepares for fall burning
SILVER CITY, NM, September 25, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District is preparing to implement the Redstone prescribed fire project as soon as October 1 or the week that follows. The exact date of ignition will depend on weather and fuels conditions as well as firefighter resource availability.
"Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing hazardous fuels that threaten communities. Promoting low to moderate intensity fire on these lands today will help reduce future fire impacts," said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. "These activities are coordinated with the State of New Mexico and comply with air quality standards set by the state's Air Quality Bureau."
The 571-acre Redstone prescribed fire project is in the Signal Peak area, bounded by the Meadow Creek Road (Forest Road 149) to the North, a combination of handline and Forest Road 4255 to the East, the Signal Peak Road (Forest Road 154) to the South, and Highway 15 to the West. An area closure associated with the prescribed burn unit will be implemented for the health and safety of the public. The area closure would include all roads that are within the unit boundary. Traffic control measures will be in place with a pilot car on Highway 15 and short duration closures will be considered only if smoke impacts make driving conditions exceptionally hazardous.
The project aims to decrease the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire impacts to wildlife habitat, recreation areas and nearby private property by reducing hazardous fuels within and adjacent to the Signal Fire burn scar. This prescribed fire unit was previously burned in fall of 2017. This prescribed fire can only take place during the fall months due to timing restrictions associated with the breeding season of the Mexican Spotted Owl.
Smoke may be visible from the communities of Pinos Altos, Silver City, Lake Roberts, Mimbres, and San Lorenzo, and smoke impacts to New Mexico Highway 15 and 35, the Mimbres and Sapillo drainages, and the community off Mimbres are expected. Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau's regulations are met. Individuals who are smoke-sensitive and those with respiratory or heart disease should take precautionary measures. Air quality information and health protection measures recommended by New Mexico Department of Health are posted online by the at NM Fire Info |Smoke Management. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
