16 Springs prescribed burn dependent on weather and fuel moisture

The Sacramento District of the Lincoln National Forest announced March 22 that prescribed burns in the 16 Springs Prescribed Fire project would begin in March and April.

The prescribed burn is expected to take place five miles north of Mayhill on federal land in Dry Burnt Canyon.

The prescribed burn will affect 564 acres in Dry Burnt Canyon.

"Exact ignition dates will be dependent upon weather and fuel moisture conditions, a Lincoln National Forest news release states. "Fire managers will monitor conditions closely to ensure that they fall within acceptable ranges before beginning the burn."

If the weather allows for optimal prescribed burn conditions, there will be good ventilation and smoke dispersal.

From 2019:Lincoln National Forest does prescribed burn

"The purpose of this project is woodland restoration and enhancement of ponderosa pine stands by reducing ground and ladder fuels, which in turn will reduce the severity of wildland fire in the future," the news release states. "This could help aid in protection of valuable resources and adjacent private properties (Wildland Urban Interface) in the future.

Smoke from this prescribed burn may be visible from Mayhill, Weed, Mescalero, Peñasco, Hope, Duncan, Artesia, Roswell, Ruidoso, Pinon, Timberon, Cloudcroft and the surrounding areas.

Smoke could settle into lower level elevations overnight but will be expected to dissipate before noon the next day.

Drivers are asked to drive slower and use their headlights should smoke be in the roadways, the news release states.

"The 16 Springs project area is popular for wildlife and attracts many hunters during the hunting season," the news release states. "The timing of optimal weather and fuel conditions needed for the (prescribed burn) project coincides with hunting season, so hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts destined for this area may see fire, smoke, fire personnel and equipment. Please use caution when traveling or hunting near the project area."

The Sacramento Mountains got around four inches of snow on March 21-22 however, conditions are expected to clear later in the week leaving temperatures cold overnight and warming up back into the 50s and 60s during the day throughout the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

For more information about this or other prescribed fire projects on the Sacramento Ranger District, please call Caleb Finch or Joe Kimble at 575-682-2551 or visit NMFireInfo.com.

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter. If you have questions about your subscription, please contact Customer Service at  AlamogordoDailyNews@Gannett.com or call 1-877-301-0013.