Prescribed Burns Planned In Otero County
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On March 5-6, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in conjunction with Holloman Air Force Base (Base), is planning a 500-acre prescribed burn, 20 miles northeast of Orogrande in Otero County. The specific project location is on the Centennial Bombing Range within the McGregor Range. The burn is being conducted to reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to public lands from the Base.
Smoke from the fire may be visible from Highway 54. In total, 15-20 BLM firefighters and personnel will implement and monitor the fire.
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 wildfires.
For additional information about this planned burn, please contact BLM Fire Management Specialist Ricky Cox at 575-525-4467 or BLM Fire Management Officer Mark Bernal at 575-525-4305.
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.