Forest officials in southern New Mexico say they're ready to start on a project that will clear more than 800 acres of pinon and juniper slash piles from the Smokey Bear Ranger District.
The project is just north of the community of Capitan.
Crews are scheduled to begin igniting the slash piles Monday. The work will continue through the week and possibly into next weekend depending on weather conditions.
Officials say the Tye Prescribed Fire Project will help reduce fuel loads and minimize the potential for wildfire risks.
The Lincoln National Forest recently downgraded fire restrictions thanks to the arrival of summer rains. Officials say with the critical months of the fire season behind them, they want to take advantage of favorable weather to resume prescribed burning operations.
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