RESERVE, NM, May 18, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District is planning to implement two prescribed fires within the next month. The two prescribed ire units are the 1,674-acre Cold Springs unit, located along Forest Road 94 southeast of Apache Creek, and the 1,608-acre Sheep Basin unit, located south of the Village of Reserve. These prescribed fire projects are planned to occur as soon as desired weather and fire conditions are aligned.

Low-lying smoke and heavy presence of firefighters on forest roads may periodically impact the public’s access to areas adjacent to the prescribed fire. If this occurs, road guards and/or signs will be in place to warn of hazards. 

“Prescribed fire is the most effective tool available for reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity,” said Reserve District Ranger Amanda Gehrt. “These prescribed fire projects are designed to meet specific objectives of providing community protection and promoting forest health.”

Fire managers consider current and forecasted weather, fuel moistures, availability of firefighting resources, and other conditions to determine optimal windows for conducting prescribed fires, and they are always managed with public and firefighter safety as the first priority.

Smoke may linger at night and early morning and will be visible from Reserve, Aragon, Apache Creek, and Cruzville. The Forest Service will coordinate with New Mexico Environment Department and follow smoke management guidelines. Air quality information and health protection measures are posted online at NM Fire Info | Smoke Management. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.