QUEMADO, NM, April 14, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Quemado Ranger District has reopened Baca slash pit following burning of the debris starting in late March. “The Baca community slash pit is used all year long in partnership with the Catron County Firewise program – a program that helps remove hazardous fuels and vegetation on and adjacent to private lands,” said Quemado District Ranger, Randall Chavez.

An estimated 50,000 cubic feet of slash material (enough to fill a basketball court packed to the height of the baskets) was burned over the past couple of weeks on the 5-acre site northeast of Quemado, New Mexico. “The presence of a stable air mass made progress slow when the slash pit was initially ignited. As the week progressed, increased winds helped spread the fire through the target fuels and assisted with complete consumption,” said Dustin Roper, Quemado District Fire Management Officer and Burn Boss for the Baca Pit prescribed fire.

Ashes have cooled and the site is now safe for public entry and use for slash disposal. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.