RESERVE, N.M., Jan. 12, 2015 -As part of a continuing program to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health Gila National Forest Reserve Ranger District fire crews plan to conduct pile burns at various locations beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13. Burning may continue through the winter as conditions permit.
The objectives of these burns are to reduce wildfire threat by removing fuels created from past and ongoing thinning projects and to return important nutrients to the soil.
The burns may be conducted at the following locations:
- Rancho Grande Subdivision piles; approximately seven miles southwest of Reserve along US Highway 180;
- Sheep Basin/Blackdeer Sixshooter timber sale piles along FR 141 and Forest Roads 179 and 626
- Reserve Administrative Site piles; one mile west of Reserve at the Reserve Ranger District Administrative Site;
- Negrito Fire Base piles; approximately 20 miles southeast of Reserve along FR 141 and FR 28;
- SU slash pit; approximately four miles southwest of Reserve West of State Highway 12 along FR 578;
- Five Bar Subdivision piles; five miles southwest of Reserve East of State Highway 12 along CAT-B056;
- Cruzville Interpretive Site piles; CAT-B092 half mile east of State Highway 12 across from Cruzville solid waste convenience center;
- Highway Department Piles; along north side of State Highway 12 and US Highway 180 behind Highway Dept. and across from Reserve Airstrip;
- Willow Creek Mesa/Gilita Slash Pit piles; FR 28 & FR 153, one mile West of Willow Creek.
Smoke may be visible in the areas where the burns are being conducted, linger at night and early morning, but decrease during the daytime. These project areas will be signed and posted for public safety. Further information may be obtained by contacting District Fire Management Officer Shilow Norton or Fuels Specialist Pete Delgado at (575) 533-6232.