Gila National Forest: Silver City RD planning two prescribed fires in the Burro Mountains

Silver City, NM, March 16, 2021—The Silver City Ranger District is planning two prescribed fires in the Burro Mountains the week of March 22 – late April.  These projects are designed to reduce hazardous buildups of vegetation, lower fire intensities should a wildfire occur, protect and enhance wildlife habitat, and improve range forage.  The projects are also designed to protect private infrastructure in the wildland urban interface.  Smoke production should be light, and impacts kept to the local area.  Fire managers will monitor fuel conditions and weather to determine the appropriate time to implement. 

Fire managers are planning the 5,000-acre Bar 6 prescribed fire March 22-26.  The project is west of County Road 4-24 (Redrock Road).  The northern and western boundary will be the 4244T Road to the 813 Road.  The Continental Divide Trail bisects the project.  Anticipate road, trail, and area closures during this project to ensure firefighter and public safety.  This prescribed fire will be accomplished in two phases, one securing the perimeter (blacklining) and the second phase, using aviation resources to fire the interior at a later date when conditions permit (April-May). 

The 2,000-acre Sawmill Prescribed fire is planned March 29-April 2.  The project area is adjacent to the Bar 6 project and on the east side of the Redrock Road.  Area closures will be implemented prior to ignition. 

Due to COVID protocols we will not have a public meeting regarding these projects.  Forest Service fire managers will coordinate with state and local cooperators, prior, during, and after these projects.  If anyone has any questions regarding these projects, email or call Marcus Cornwell, Silver City District Fire Management Officer, marcus.cornwell@usda.gov, 575-388-8248.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.