Prescribed burn planned in Socorro County
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SOCORRO, N.M. — During the week of Feb. 27 through March 3, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management, in conjunction with Holloman Air Force Base, are planning a prescribed burn in Socorro County. Personnel will concentrate their efforts on Red Rio Bombing Range, located on White Sands Missile Range approximately 18 miles west of Carrizozo. An anticipated 300 acres of grassland will be targeted for hand-ignition. Smoke from the fire may be visible from Highways 380 and 54.
Weather permitting, the prescribed burning will be conducted in one day. Depending on weather conditions, smoke may be visible during and possibly days after the burn is conducted. Per BLM policy, prescribed burns will not take place when a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the area where the burn is planned. During the potential burn period, fire management crews will monitor daily weather to decide which date the burn will take place.
In total, 15 to 20 BLM firefighters and personnel will monitor the fire. The prescribed burn is being conducted to reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to public lands from the bombing range.
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to control vegetation in areas where wildfires are no longer appropriate. By reducing the volume of vegetation under the specific prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with unplanned wildfires.
Coordination has and will continue with Department of Defense Range Control Safety Officer and Safety Officer Environmental Liaison, interagency partners and county officials. In addition, prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow air quality regulations. Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to check out the following site: https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management.
For additional information about the prescribed burn, please contact BLM Las Cruces District Fuels Specialist Ricky Cox at (575) 525-4467 or BLM Las Cruces District Fire Management Officer Mark Bernal at (575) 525-4305. Follow NMFireInfo.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NMFireInfo, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nmfireinfo for more information.
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.