Single Publication

SILVER CITY, NM, Aug. 19, 2022 — The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team continues to work on the implementation of its proposed post-fire treatments for the Black Fire area. A major concern is the National Forest System Roads. Currently, the Gila National Forest Road crew is performing post-fire storm inspection and response on numerous forest roads located within the fire area.

Crews are working on Forest Roads 150, 152, 226, 226A, 225, 18, 500 and 62. Personnel are utilizing two graders, three backhoes and a dozer. Due to the high amount of rainfall in the burn area, portions of these roads have become impassable at times because of washouts, debris, and large rocks on roadways. Forest road 150 has been very problematic in Rocky Canyon and the Diamond Creek area.

Very heavy amounts of rainfall are expected Friday and Saturday over the fire area with anticipated portions of roads being impassable. This amount of precipitation could cause issues in areas outside the fire area.

It’s important to remember to always use caution on wet roadways. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Even larger vehicles are at risk of sinking and getting stuck in many areas across the Forest. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!