Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work
MIMBRES, N.M., Dec.8 – The Wilderness Ranger District on the Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning Dec. 14, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the month of December as weather conditions allow. 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:
Slash piles from thinning adjacent to private property in Cooney Canyon along the Rio Mimbres. These piles are located along Forest Road 150A/Cooney Road, approximately six miles north of the Mimbres Valley.
Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Smoke will likely impact residents of the Mimbres and Sapillo valleys and near Lake Roberts. It may settle into valley areas, especially during overnight and early morning hours. 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.
