BLM plans prescribed burn activities in Chaves County
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DUNKEN, N.M. – The Pecos District Fire Program plans to burn piles of slashed Juniper trees nine-miles south of Dunken, N.M. This project consists of burning 20 acres of piles created during a tree removal project and should take one day to complete, weather permitting. The burn will begin Sept. 26. Once ignitions are complete, crews will remain onsite until there is no threat of fire moving beyond the project boundaries.
Smoke from the burn may be visible from Dunken, Mayhill, Pinon, Hope, and nearby communities. Although smoke is not expected to impact highways, signs will be posted along roadways for public safety. Motorists should reduce speed and watch for fire personnel and equipment.
The project will decrease the risk of wildfires to adjacent property; improve watershed and habitat conditions; increase the health, vigor, and competitive ability of the native plant community; and reduce the threat of non-native and native invasive plant species.
Coordination has occurred with local staff, the grazing permittee, U.S. Forest Service, along with local and county fire departments.
Before and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. People susceptible to or affected by COVID-19 may have health conditions that make them vulnerable to smoke exposure so please go to https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management/ to learn more about risks and protecting your health.
The BLM encourages public land users to continue to be careful with fire. To report a wildfire on public land, please call Alamogordo Interagency Dispatch at (877) 695-1663. For more information on this prescribed burn and the BLM fire and hazardous fuels reduction program, contact Alex Mermigkas at (575) 234-5718. To follow the implementation of this project, go to NMFireInfo.com or facebook.com/nmfireinfo.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.