January 19, 2022 
Albuquerque, NM – January 19, 2022 – Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands fire crews are preparing to strategically implement prescribed burns across the forest to reduce hazardous fuels in advance of warmer, drier weather starting as early as January 27th and continue through February pending suitable conditions.
Prescribed fire is part of a science-based framework for managing forests to reduce the risk of severe wildfire and allow less intense fire to play its natural role in a frequent-fire ecosystem. Each prescribed fire is designed to accomplish specific objectives and is managed with firefighter and public safety as the highest priority. Fuel treatments, such as prescribed burns, are an effective way to slow wildfires and moderate fire behavior. The decision to proceed on prescribed burn will depend on multiple factors, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, ventilation, forecasted weather and wind, and resource availability.
The projects under consideration between now and the end of February are:
The projects under consideration between now and the end of February are:
290 acres, Magdalena Ranger District: Baney Unit 3C in the northwestern part of the San Mateo Mountains. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas of Magdalena, Alamo and Datil.
8 acres, Mountainair Ranger District: Capilla Project, located in Red Canyon on the southeast portion of the Manzano Mountains. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities of Manzano, and Mountainair.
Fire managers consider smoke impacts to communities before making a final decision to implement a prescribed fire. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas during and after ignitions. The Cibola NF & NGs manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website.
All fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Cibola Facebook & Twitter pages.
Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281.
Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.