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Albuquerque, N.M. – Now through May 15, the Bureau of Land Management’s Rio Puerco Field Office will conduct a prescribed burn in the Chain of Craters project area, weather permitting. The burn will be conducted in several phases during this timeframe and consists of approximately 2,500 acres of ponderosa pine, piñon and juniper trees.

The Chain of Craters prescribed burn is within the El Malpais National Conservation Area, south of State Highway 53, approximately 35 miles southwest of Grants, N.M., and west of County Road 42. Specifically, it is located within multiple sections of Township 7 North, Range 13 West. 

Signs stating “Prescribed Fire in Progress” will be posted along County Road 42, and the Continental Divide Trailhead during the days of the burn and the smoke may be visible from State Highways 53 and 117.

The goal of this project is to use prescribed fire to reduce overcrowding, vegetation that can carry fire into the crowns of trees, and hazardous accumulation of vegetation that, under the right conditions, could contribute to high intensity fire. 

Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers will coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. People who are either susceptible to or affected by COVID-19 may have health conditions that also make them vulnerable to smoke exposure. For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management/.

Questions about the burn should be directed to BLM’s Rio Puerco Field Office at 505-761-8700.