BLM Plans Prescribed Burns in Socorro and Catron Counties

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Socorro Field Office

Media Contact:

The Bureau of Land Management Socorro Field Office will burn up to 50 acres in Catron County between February 1 and April 15, 2017, weather permitting.  The objective of these burn projects is to remove piles of limbs and branches created as part of an old thinning project one mile west of Pie Town, immediately north of Highway 60.  There will also be a prescribed burn just west of the community of Datil a quarter mile west of the BLM campground in the recreation area. 

These burns will reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem health, and enhance wildlife habitat.  

Each burn will take a single day, with some smoke visible in the burn areas for up to a week after operations are completed.  Firefighters will monitor the burn until there is no visible smoke.  Smoke from this burn may be visible from Highway 60, and could create brief periods of reduced visibility for motorists.  In addition, firefighters will be working adjacent to Highway 60, so motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the area during the burn. 

For more information about the burn, please contact BLM Socorro Field Office Fuels Module Leader Lino Baca at (575) 838-3024.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.