Project will protect local communities and improve wildlife habitat

SILVER CITY, NM, March 21, 2023 – The Silver City Ranger District is assessing conditions in preparation for burning the 3,400-acre Willow Prescribed Fire project in the Burro Mountains next week. Given suitable fuel and weather conditions, crews may ignite portions of the planned prescribed fire unit as early as Monday, March 27, continuing ignitions for approximately 5 days.

Fire will be used to consume live and dead fuels within the project area, opening gaps in the canopy. The pine-oak fuel type requires relatively dry fuel conditions and light winds to carry fire into and through the fuels in order to meet objectives of the burn. Smoke production from the prescribed fire is expected to be minimal and localized and may persist for several days following completion of ignitions.

“It is not expected that the entire 3,400-acre project area will be touched by fire, but that a mosaic of burned and unburned areas will result in enhanced wildlife habitat and improved range forage.” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney.

“The project will also protect private infrastructure in the wildland urban interface by reducing hazardous fuels and fire intensities if a wildfire were to occur.”

The Willow project is located approximately 16 miles southwest of Silver City, New Mexico, east of Grant County Road 4-24 (Redrock Road) and adjacent to the Sawmill Prescribed Fire that was completed in the spring of 2021. A short segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through the burn area – a reroute will be identified to be used during project implementation. Anticipate road, trail, and area closures during this project to ensure firefighter and public safety.