SILVER CITY, NM; March 30, 2016 - For Immediate Release - Silver City Ranger District fire managers continue to prepare for the Cameron Creek Prescribed Fire on the Gila National Forest and estimate the project will occur between April 11 and the end of May when conditions allow. The 2,100-acre wildlife habitat improvement project is approximately five miles northeast of Silver City within the Ft. Bayard Wildlife Refuge. An area closure will be in effect when fire personnel conduct the prescribed burn.

The objectives of this project include reducing hazardous fuel accumulation, improving wildlife habitat and reintroducing fire into the ecosystem. The project is funded in part by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.

Implementation of prescribed fires depends on availability of personnel and equipment and New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau approval. Fire managers follow a burn plan that outlines the GǣprescriptionGǥ or environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, ventilation, and humidity that need to be met before the projects begin.

Smoke will be noticeable during days of ignitions and may impact the surrounding areas. For more information, please contact Jesse Searles, District Fuels Specialist, 575-388-8412.