Project supports hazardous fuels reduction for local community
(Glenwood, NM, July 30, 2026) — The Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations at the Sheridan slash disposal site located off Sheridan Ridge Road (Catron County Road 54) between August 3 and September 30, 2026, weather and fire conditions permitting. We use prescribed slash pile burns to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires. With increased monsoonal moisture, fire danger in the area has decreased and firefighters will seek appropriate windows to conduct these burns.
"Slash" refers to residual woody debris leftover after thinning, logging, or other vegetation management activities. Slash disposal sites on the Gila National Forest support hazardous fuels reduction efforts in local communities by allowing free disposal of vegetation removed from private property. Sheridan and all slash disposal sites on the forest are for vegetative materials only.
Prescribed burns at the Sheridan slash disposal site typically happen once a year by Glenwood Ranger District firefighter crews. To comply with New Mexico air quality regulations, prescribed burns can only occur with vegetative materials. Recently, large piles of trash have been dumped at the site. Prior to burning, firefighters must sort through this deposited trash and remove all non-vegetative materials. To prevent this additional health and safety hazard for firefighters, please only dispose of vegetation in slash disposal areas, and take all other waste to proper disposal sites.
Smoke may be visible along U.S. Highway 180 and may linger at night and in the early morning, but will normally decrease significantly throughout the day. Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department's Air Quality Bureau 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 on the New Mexico Department of Health's public health data portal. For additional information on air quality, please visit AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. Please also obey any warning or directional signs near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
