Mimbres, NM  - The Wilderness Ranger District will be conducting one prescribed burn between mid-April and early June as conditions allow. This prescribed fire will be a broadcast burn, where fire is applied within well-defined boundaries.

The L-T West Rx Burn is located off Hwy 35 near mile marker 17, east of the Old GOS Ranch, between Lincoln Canyon (FSR 4079T), Terry Canyon (FSR 4079V), McKenna Mesa (FSR 4079C), FSR 4079P and North Star Road (also known as the Wall Lake Road, FSR 150). The project is 5,500 acres and will take several days to complete.

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.

Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. These fires mimic natural fires by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. The prescribed burns are designed to remove dead forest fuels, provide community protection and promote forest health. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as first priority. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. This project is funded in part by the Secure Rural Schools Act Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) and New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Big Game Enhancement Program.

Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

For more information on these prescribed burns, contact the Wilderness Ranger District 575-535-2250.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or follow us on Twitter @GilaNForest.