MIMBRES, N.M., Feb. 6, 2015 -As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health fire crews plan to continue pile burning at various locations on the Wilderness Ranger District when conditions allow. Environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and ventilation need to be met before ignitions begin. Travelers near the project areas need to watch for crews and equipment, be aware that flames may be visible and that smoke may linger for some time as the fuels are completely consumed.

Pile burns in progress:
· Off of Hwy 35, and Elkhorn Road, behind Desert West Auction

Completed so far:

· On both sides of Powerhorn Ridge Road - Forest Service Road (FSR) 151

· On the north side of McKnight Road - FSR 152

· Wilderness Ranger District Administrative Site on Hwy 35

Other areas for potential burning:
· Lake Roberts off Forest Drive and FSR 4206M

· Near Cooney - FSRs 150A & 4080T

· Near the Gila National Monument Visitors Center

The objectives of these burns are to reduce wildfire threat by removing fuels created from past and ongoing thinning projects and return important nutrients to the soil. These project areas will be signed and posted for public safety. For more information, call the Wilderness Ranger District at 575-536-2250.