Slash pile burning reduces future fire hazard after hand-cutting treatment

SILVER CITY, NM, March 28, 2024 – The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District is preparing to burn slash piles near Little Walnut Road on Monday, April 1. Recent precipitation has brought suitable conditions to burn the slash that was cut last fall as part of a fuels reduction project. The slash piles are located near the southeast corner of Feeley Subdivision, north of Little Walnut Road, along Forest Road 506.

“We are in year two of implementing the Joint Chiefs’ Bear Creek to Signal Peak Collaborative Restoration project aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and fire intensities near the wildland urban interface, improving watershed and riparian condition, and protecting sensitive wildlife habitat,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “These treatments will enhance landscape resiliency and reduce the risk of damaging wildfire fire to adjacent communities.”

Smoke production from the prescribed fire is expected to be minimal and localized. Smoke may persist for several days following completion of ignitions. It will be visible from U.S. Highway 180, New Mexico Highway 15, and the community of Silver City. Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau’s 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 available online at: NM Fire Info | Smoke Management. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .