Area closure will protect public and firefighter safety during prescribed burn operations

MIMBRES, NM, April 27, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District will close an area of Gila National Forest around the Rendezvous Prescribed Fire project for two weeks beginning May 1 while the prescribed burn is implemented. The project is located east of Sapillo Campground. The area closure includes Gila National Forest lands south of New Mexico Highway 35, from National Forest System Road (NFSR) 88 in Skates Canyon southeast to Forest Road 4085X. Closed roads within the area closure include NFSR 88, NFSR 4078U, NFSR 4202W, and NFSR 4085X.

“This closure helps keep the public safe while fire crews are working in the project area and allows firefighters to maintain focus on conducting a safe, efficient prescribed burn,” said Wilderness District Ranger Henry Provencio. “Fire is the most effective tool for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing hazardous fuels adjacent to private property within the wildland urban interface.”

This prescribed burn will take place along the south side of New Mexico State Highway 35. Ignitions will occur starting May 1 if weather and fuel conditions allow. Intermittent traffic delays should be expected, and coordination with the New Mexico Department of Transportation will take place by district fire management personnel. The area closure will be lifted once the burn is complete, and the area is safe for public entry. Signage will be posted at access points to the project area.

Smoke may be visible from the communities of Lake Roberts, Mimbres, and San Lorenzo. There will be smoke impacts to Highway 35, the Mimbres, and Sapillo drainages, and the community of Mimbres. Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau’s regulations are met. Smoke-sensitive individuals and those with respiratory or heart-disease should take precautionary measures. Air quality information and health protection measures are posted online by the New Mexico Fire Info at: NM Fire Info | Smoke Management.

For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.