The prescribed fire unit (map) is located on the west side of the Valle Vidal near Costilla Dam to the north and Holman Creek to the south. It is bounded by Forest Service roads 1900 and 1950, old logging roads and built control line.
TimingIgnitions could begin as early as Sept. 23, although the exact timing will depend on wind, weather and fuel moisture conditions.
TypeThis will be an understory burn. Crews will apply fire to grasslands, meadows and the understory of forested areas, targeting fuels on the forest floor, such as grasses, forbs, leaf litter, downed branches and brush. The fire may burn occasional single trees or small groups of trees.Regular fire helps restore many of the forest’s ecosystems and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting the recently restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a project over 20 years in the making. It also helps maintain productive rangelands that support local grazers, including the Valle Vidal’s famous elk herds and permitted cattle.
Post IgnitionsCrews will patrol and monitor the fire until it is called out.
Depending on rain, snow and other conditions, this can last up to several months.
Big PictureThe project is part of an effort to reduce the threat of wildfire to communities, infrastructure (e.g. Costilla Dam), and natural resources (e.g. Rio Costilla Watershed). The work will eventually connect to a nearly 40,000-acre contiguous area where fire has already been reintroduced.
NearbyAnother prescribed fire in the neighboring 5,318-acre Comanche Unit is potentially planned for October. A notice for planned igntions will be sent out when and if the project moves forward.
September 22, 2025 
TimingIgnitions could begin as early as Sept. 23, although the exact timing will depend on wind, weather and fuel moisture conditions.
TypeThis will be an understory burn. Crews will apply fire to grasslands, meadows and the understory of forested areas, targeting fuels on the forest floor, such as grasses, forbs, leaf litter, downed branches and brush. The fire may burn occasional single trees or small groups of trees.Regular fire helps restore many of the forest’s ecosystems and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting the recently restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a project over 20 years in the making. It also helps maintain productive rangelands that support local grazers, including the Valle Vidal’s famous elk herds and permitted cattle.
Post IgnitionsCrews will patrol and monitor the fire until it is called out.
Big PictureThe project is part of an effort to reduce the threat of wildfire to communities, infrastructure (e.g. Costilla Dam), and natural resources (e.g. Rio Costilla Watershed). The work will eventually connect to a nearly 40,000-acre contiguous area where fire has already been reintroduced.
NearbyAnother prescribed fire in the neighboring 5,318-acre Comanche Unit is potentially planned for October. A notice for planned igntions will be sent out when and if the project moves forward.
NM Fire Info 
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