SILVER CITY, N.M., Nov. 5, 2014 –As part of a continuing program to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health and enhance wildlife habitat, fire managers are preparing for prescribed broadcast burning in the area of Meadow Creek/Signal Peak Area late November into December 2014. This 676 acre burn will complete the final burn unit within the Signal Peak Landscape project area.

With the onset of winter, the district is also preparing to burn piles at various district locations. These areas will be signed and posted for public awareness. Pile burning will continue throughout the winter as conditions allow.

Smoke will be noticeable in these areas during days of ignitions, may linger at night and early morning, but decrease during the daytime. The objective of these burns is to reduce wildfire threat by removing fuels created from past and ongoing thinning projects.

The burns will be conducted at the following locations:

· Redstone broadcast burn is approximately 10 miles North of Silver City NM, off Meadow Creek FR 149 and Signal Peak FR 154
· Meadow Creek piles; approximately 10 miles north of Silver City NM, off Meadow Creek FR 149
· Ft. Bayard Administrative Site piles; 7 miles northeast of Silver City at the Fort Bayard Administrative Site
Further information may be obtained by contacting District Fire Management Officer Randy Gomez or Fuels Specialist Fabian Montano at (575) 388-8201.