The Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest, has tentatively scheduled the Farm Flats Prescribed Fire to start in late October, or early November; the fire totals 2,036 acres. Start date of the prescribed fire and its duration could change depending upon weather and fuel conditions. Location of the fire is 12 miles north of Silver City.
The objective of the fire that is planned during the fall months is to remove dead and down woody material such as trees, branches, pine needles, etc. under cooler conditions, reducing the chances of a hotter more destructive wildfire during the heat of the summer.
If driving in the area of the fire, please exercise caution as fire vehicles and personnel working near or on Forest Road 282 (Sheep Corral), and Forest Road 4083V (Snow Creek). Smoke from the fire will be present in these areas and could impact visibility along N.M. Highway 15 and 35.
For safety purposes, reduce speed, be alert to other vehicle traffic and bicyclists travelling along the road, and drive with vehicle lights on.