Signal Fire burn area stabilized

SILVER CITY >> The Gila National Forest Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team announce the completion of emergency treatment and stabilization of areas burned as the result the Signal Fire, which started 10 miles north of Silver City on May 11, according to a news release.

In the aftermath of the Signal Fire BAER Team members moved in quickly assessing the burned areas and recommending emergency treatments to minimize threats to life, property and natural and cultural resources. BAER's first-aid immediate stabilization treatments reduce downstream values at risk from wildfires.

The BAER Team assessed and has completed the following:

Installing water erosion bars on FR154-Signal Peak Road and FR 855A-Lockney road to provide drainage and reduce negative effects to the roads

Cleaning and clearing road ditches to allow water to move freely through them

Removing drainage culverts and replacing them with drive-able low-water crossings

Installing a closure gate on Signal Peak Rd. and Meadow Creek Rd. for public safety during monsoon rains

Installing warning and hazard signs at area entry points

Aerial seeding high severity burn areas

The road work on Signal Peak Road is intended to prepare the road for increased erosion and runoff from the fire area during monsoonal rains. The installation of the low-water crossings and removal of drainage culverts allows water and debris to flow freely across roadbeds and not clog up the culverts and wash out the road. Road storm patrol and response will continue throughout the monsoon season.

Link:
Signal Fire burn area stabilized