Gila National Forest to begin prescribed burns near Mimbres

MIMBRES, N.M., Jan. 5 – Due to favorable weather conditions with increased precipitation forecasted this week, the Wilderness Ranger District on the Gila National Forest plans to implement prescribed fire operations on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Jan. 7 and 8, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the month of January 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.

The public can stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and social media channels. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins. 

NOTE: This burn was originally scheduled for December and was postponed because of unfavorable weather conditions.