Mimbres, NM — Dec. 2, 2021 — The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District plans to carry out multiple prescribed burns from December 2021 – January 2022, weather, fuels conditions, and resources permitting. The burns are scheduled to begin Dec. 8 if conditions are right for burning. The prescribed burns will lower the risk of wildfire by reducing fuels and removing piled vegetation and slash created from past and ongoing thinning and timber sale projects. Signs will be posted in these areas for public awareness and safety. The burns will be conducted at the following locations: 

  • The Old GOS Ranch, west of the continental divide, along the south side of NM HWY 35 
  • Pile burns in multiple locations throughout the HWY 35 corridor and Lake Roberts area

Smoke may be visible along NM HWY 35 and will impact driving visibility, especially at night and in the early morning, but will normally decrease significantly as daytime weather prevails.

Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau regulations are being 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 at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website: https://nmtracking.org/fire.  

For more information, contact the Wilderness Ranger District office at 575-536-2250. For updates and the latest news on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/gila

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