Mimbres, NM; October 25, 2016 - For Immediate Release -The Wilderness Ranger is planning to conduct various prescribed fires beginning in November and continuing into the spring as conditions allow. The projects include broadcast burning and pile burning.

-+ Pile burns are planned in these locations:
-+ Off Hwy 35, and Elkhorn Road, behind Desert West Auction
-+ Lake Roberts off Forest Drive and FSR 4206M
-+ Near the Gila National Monument Visitor Center
-+ Off Hwy 35 behind Camp Thunderbird
-+ Off Hwy 35 along FSR 4085Y
-+ Off Hwy 35 along Lincoln Canyon Road

Broadcast burns are prescribed burning activities where fire is applied generally to most or all of an area within well-defined boundaries. The following broadcast burn is partially funded by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish:

-+ T-Bird 1 Rx, 128 acres, located off Forest Service Road (FSR) 4085Q (Elks Pasture Road), south of private property on Ponderosa Road and west of Camp Thunderbird.

Smoke and flames will be noticeable during days of ignitions and may linger at night and early morning. For firefighter and public safety, Gila National Forest officials remind the public to not enter or park near the project areas and to watch for firefighters and equipment in the described locations.

The objectives of these prescribed fires include wildlife habitat restoration, hazardous fuels reduction and flood debris removal. For more information contact Liz Carver at the Wilderness Ranger District 575-535-2250.