The Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on 348 acres to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires.
Ignitions on the 348-acre Hidden 2 burn are planned to begin on May 6 and may continue through May 31, 2024. The prescribed project area is located approximately 3 miles west of Forest Lakes on the north side of Highway 260. This is a continuation of the Hidden timber stand improvement/fuels
reduction treatment in the area. The goal is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires. Weather conditions will determine the timing of ignitions.
Smoke and fire will be visible from Highway 260 and the community of Forest Lakes. Drivers are advised to reduce their speed when smoke impacts visibility in the area. Fire managers will monitor air quality conditions in and near the community of Forest Lakes. Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. These prescribed fires align with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities and natural resources. Air quality information can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.
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