Weather and fire conditions permitting

QUEMADO, NM, March 2, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District is preparing to burn the Baca slash pit, located approximately 1 mile northeast of Quemado Lake Recreation Area, and 3 miles from Quemado Lake Estates. Officials plan to ignite the prescribed fire as soon as desired weather and fire conditions permit. 

“All fire management carries with it some risk, but we are doing our due diligence to conduct all prescribed fires in the safest way possible,” said Quemado District Ranger Randall Chavez. As the deciding official, he is actively engaged in real time to determine whether the prescribed burn should take place, as well as communicating with adjacent landowners and local officials. 

Baca pit is used in partnership with the Catron County Firewise program. This valued partnership helps to remove hazardous fuels and vegetation on and adjacent to private lands. 

Following last year’s pause of prescribed fire operations, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore released the USDA Forest Service National Prescribed Fire Review on Sept. 8, outlining actions that Forest officials must take before prescribed burning can resume. Forest officials have followed those steps, updating prescribed fire burn plans with the most recent science and key factors affecting fire behavior. 

Smoke from the prescribed burn will be visible to the public and may linger in the valley at night and early in the morning. If burning activities impact forest road access, road guards will be in place. The Forest Service will coordinate with New Mexico Environment Department and follow smoke management guidelines. Air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website:  NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211.