October 28, 2026 
Recent moisture creates favorable conditions for hazardous fuels reduction work
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – October 28, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) begins ignitions on the previously announced prescribed (Rx) fire pile burning on the Mountainair Ranger District’s Pueblo Colorado today (Wednesday October 28). Forest Service officials estimate this project may continue as multi-day operation, as conditions allow.
Fire managers are taking advantage of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and improved relative humidity, which together create suitable conditions for burning piled slash and woody debris piled during earlier forest restoration work.
Pueblo Colorado Rx Fire Piles Unit 2: Up to 645 acres of piles in the Coordinated Resource Management Project in the Gallinas Mountains in Torrance County, NM. Located Southeast of Willard and 15 miles Northwest of Corona, NM. See map attached. No closures are planned. However, visitors should remain alert in the Gallinas Mountains as firefighters work.
Smoke may be visible from Willard, Cedarvale, Corona or within the Estancia Valley, NM.
Residents may experience smoke during the burn. For air quality information, visit AirNow online or download the app. Smoke is expected to lift during the day, but cooler overnight temperatures may cause it to settle into low-lying areas near the burn. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. When driving through smoke, slow down and turn on your headlights.
Fire managers evaluate conditions days and hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.
Mountainair Ranger District – Office: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)
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