Jemez Springs —Valles Caldera National Preserve is looking for opportunities to implement prescribed burning, consisting of broadcast and/or pile burning, starting as early as October 22nd and as late as mid-December. 

The prescribed burns will target up to 622-acres in the Banco Bonito area with broadcast burning, up to 112-acres in the Seco area via broadcast burning, and up to 308-acres via pile burning also in the Seco area. The burns may impact upcoming elk hunts by closing small sections of the preserve to hunters.

The parameters for implementing a prescribed burn are based upon specific assessments, agency guidelines, and safety protocols. Managers continuously monitor weather conditions during a burn including wind, temperature, and relative humidity. Fuel quantity and moisture are also measured. The project will not begin unless all conditions support the burn and associated resources are available. If conditions are not right, the burn may be postponed.

Smoke/Air Quality: Information on air quality and protecting your health by using the 5-3-1 visibility method can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website here.

Fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website here.

For more information, contact Valles Caldera National Preserve at (575) 829-4100.