16 Springs Prescribe Fire on the Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest Scheduled for Spring 2022

Fire officials on the Sacramento Ranger District in Cloudcroft, NM, plan to implement prescribed fire operations on the 16 Springs Prescribed Fire project beginning in March and carrying into April of 2022.

The 16 Springs Prescribed Fire is targeting 564 acres and is located on federal land five miles north of Mayhill, NM.  The project lies within the Dry Burnt Canyon.

16 Springs Prescribed Fire Map

Exact ignition dates will be dependent upon weather and fuel moisture conditions. Fire managers will monitor conditions closely to ensure that they fall within acceptable ranges before beginning the burn. Optimal conditions result in good ventilation and smoke dispersal, as well as help achieve the desired effects needed to accomplish forest restoration and improve the health of the forest.

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.  This could help aid in protection of valuable resources and adjacent private properties (Wildland Urban Interface) in the future. 

Smoke from this burn could be visible from Mayhill, Weed, Mescalero, Peñasco, Hope, Duncan, Artesia, Roswell, Ruidoso, Pinon, Timberon, Cloudcroft, and the surrounding areas.  Smoke may settle into drainages and lower elevations at night but is expected to dissipate by late-morning. Motorists are advised to reduce travel speeds and turn lights on if there is smoke along the roadways.

The 16 Springs project area is popular for wildlife and attracts many hunters during the hunting season. The timing of optimal weather and fuel conditions needed for the Wet Burnt 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. 

For additional information about prescribed fire projects on the Sacramento Ranger District, please call Caleb Finch or Joe Kimble at 575-682-2551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

For more information this and other fires in the area visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/