Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work

SILVER CITY, N.M., Nov. 13, 2025— Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this Monday, November 17, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to be completed on Monday and will monitor the area over the following week. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

Black Range District: Kingston Work Center community slash pit, approximately 1.5 miles east of Kingston

Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.