Gila National Forest to begin prescribed burns near Silver City

Favorable weather conditions with increased moisture forecasted this week

SILVER CITY, N.M., Jan. 21 – The Silver City Ranger District on the Gila National Forest plans to implement prescribed fire operations on Thursday and Friday of this week, Jan. 22 and 23, 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 in the Pinos Altos WUI and Little Walnut WUI project areas, including pile burn units within the Gomez Peak trail system and around Feeley and Wagon Wheel subdivisions.

Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. Burnt piles are expected to remain hot through the weekend and will be monitored by fire crews.

Smoke will likely impact residents of Silver City in the Little Walnut area, and may be visi9ble from Little Walnut Road, New Mexico Highway 15 near Pinos Altos. 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.