Area 74 prescribed fire project to be burned between April 28 and May 10

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM, April 23, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Black Range Ranger District is preparing to implement a prescribed fire in the 3,321-acre Area 74, Unit 3 prescribed fire project between April 28 and May 10. Staff are keeping a close eye on weather and fuel moisture and coordinating with other units to have resources available when conditions are right to achieve the objectives of this prescribed fire. The Area 74, Unit 3 project is located approximately 3 miles west of Poverty Creek, north of New Mexico Highway 59, east of Forest Road 521, and west of the Continental Divide Trail. 

This project will affect public access to the Continental Divide Trail during prescribed fire operations, and a detour has been identified, followingHighway 59 west to Forest Road 3017 and the following series of Forest Roads: north on 3017 to 4074G, north on 4070K, and north on 4070I to 4070G to a jog south on 521, to west on 4052M and finally east on Forest Road 4052P to return to the Continental Divide Trail. Signs will be posted along the trail at the north and south ends of the closure.

“This project will help reduce surface fuels that contribute to damaging crown fires, while maintaining a healthy ponderosa pine forest, healthy watershed, and diverse wildlife habitat,” said Black Range District Ranger Bret Mellott. “Fire is one of the most effective and efficient tools for removing hazardous fuels and restoring natural forest structure and watersheds in fire-dependent southwestern forest ecosystems.”

Low-lying smoke may periodically impact New Mexico Highway 59, Poverty Creek, and surrounding areas. Smoke should be expected to linger at night and early morning the valleys. The Forest Service is coordinating with New Mexico Environment Department and will follow smoke management guidelines.

When smoke impacts are present, New Mexico Department of Health recommends reducing physical activity and staying indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate respirator mask can help. Additional air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM-Tracking - Fires, Smoke and Health. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at https://fire.airnow.gov /. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .