Controlled burn delayed in Otero County

CLOUDCROFT, N.M. (KRQE) - Plans to start a 331-acres of prescribed fires near Weed have been delayed for a week after unfavorable winds crept into the weather forecast.

The Akers Prescribed Fire is planned for an area about halfway between Weed and the junction of State Routes 24 and 130 on the Lincoln National Forest Sacramento Ranger District.

The goals of the project include public and firefighter safety, improved habitat for mule deer and reducing fuels for wildfires, according to a statement from the Forest Service.

Ignitions were to begin Wednesday but now have been put off until next Tuesday or Wednesday or both, information posted to NMFireInfo.com says.

Smoke is expected to be visible from Weed, Sacramento, Mayhill, Piñon, Sunspot, U.S. Highway 82, Cloudcroft and the surrounding area.

The Forest Service suggests hunters and anyone out for recreation might want to avoid the burn area due to the smoke and increased vehicle and foot traffic from the fire crews.  Travelers encountering smoke during the day also should turn on their headlights for safety, the Forest Service said.