For our outlying listeners and avid travelers, there is a prescribed burn scheduled in Sierra County between Hatch and T or C. Read this release from the Bureau of Land Management to learn more:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning a prescribed burn within Sierra County in southern New Mexico over the next week, weather permitting. In total, 15-20 BLM firefighters and personnel will monitor the fires. Smoke will be evident in the burn areas and some smoke may remain for a couple of days after the burn, depending on weather conditions. These burns are being conducted to follow up with prescribed fire after chemical treatment of mesquite and creosote on the area. This treatment strategy improves the vegetative conditions of the area and helps restore the native desert grasslands.
Beginning Wednesday, February 26 through Thursday, February 27, the BLM will concentrate their efforts on the Lewis Cain allotment, located about 17 miles northeast of Hatch, New Mexico; 19 miles east of Ceballos, and 25 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. An anticipated 7,000 acres of grassland will be targeted for hand ignition. Smoke from the fire may be visible from I-25.
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to control vegetation in areas where wildfires are no longer appropriate. By reducing the volume of vegetation under the specific prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with unplanned wildfires.
For additional information about this planned burn, please contact Ricky Cox, Fuels Specialist at the BLM Las Cruces BLM Office at 575-525-4467 or Mark Bernal, Fire Management Officer at 575-525-4305.
