Prescribed Burns Planned in the Manzano Mountains as Early as Nov. 8

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands plans to begin prescribed burning on the Mountainair Ranger District as early as Saturday, November 8, with work expected to continue into mid-November as weather allows. Officials say the goal is to reduce hazardous fuels and lower the risk of severe wildfires near local communities.

Two prescribed fires are planned in the southern Manzano Mountains, roughly eight miles northwest of Mountainair:

• Espinosa Prescribed Fire
  Approximately 2,012 acres of broadcast burning within the Espinosa-Barranco Wildlife Improvement Project area.
• Thunderbird-Barranco Prescribed Fire
  Approximately 972 acres, located just north of the Espinosa unit and south of Forest Service Road 275.

Smoke may be visible from Mountainair, Punta de Agua, Manzano, the Estancia Valley, and nearby subdivisions. Some areas around the burn units may be temporarily closed for public safety, and drivers should watch for warning signs and be prepared for reduced visibility.

The Forest Service notes that smoke is expected to rise during the daytime but may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Drivers encountering smoke should slow down and turn on their headlights.

Burn operations will only proceed if weather and fuel conditions meet strict requirements. If conditions shift, the prescribed fires may be postponed.

Residents can monitor updates at:

• InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov
• New Mexico Fire Information: https://www.nmfires.com
• Cibola National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola

County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.

The Forest Service has used prescribed fire for more than a century as a tool to protect communities, improve ecosystem health, and reduce the intensity of unplanned wildfires.