Beginning in late January 2017, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be conducting prescribed burning operations in Chaves County. The Sand Ranch prescribed fire, consisting of three burn units, is located 45 miles east of Roswell, and the Milner Lake prescribed fire is located 10 miles northeast of Roswell. These operations are dependent upon favorable weather conditions, and will take several days to complete. Smoke from the burns may be visible from surrounding communities and nearby roadways. Please exercise caution and avoid areas impacted by smoke and the prescribed burn operations.
The main purposes of these projects are to reduce the amount of vegetation available to wildfire and to support ongoing research to determine effects of fire on wildlife and plant species. Other goals include watershed and wildlife habitat improvement, and to increase to the health, vigor, and competitive ability of the native plant community.
The prescribed fire requirements include having the appropriate weather conditions and the required personnel and equipment prior to ignition. Measures will be taken to reduce the amount of smoke created by the prescribed fire for public safety and health.
For more information on this prescribed burn please call Nathan Curnutt at 575-627-0311.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
