The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in conjunction with Holloman Air Force Base, is planning a prescribed burn within Otero County in southern New Mexico the week of Feb. 27 through March 3, 2023. In total, 15-20 BLM firefighters and personnel will conduct and monitor the fire. These burns are being conducted to reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to public lands from the Centennial Bombing Range.
The BLM will concentrate their efforts on the Centennial Bombing Range on McGregor Range. Centennial is approximately 20 miles northeast of Orogrande, N.M., in Otero County. An anticipated 500 acres of grassland will be targeted for hand ignition. Smoke from the fire may be visible from Highway 54.
Per BLM policy, prescribed burns will not take place when a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the area where the burn is planned. During the potential burn period, fire management crews will monitor daily weather to decide which date the burn will take place.
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 unplanned wildfires.
Coordination has and will continue with the Department of Defense Range Control Safety Officer and Safety Officer Environmental Liaison, interagency partners, New Mexico Department of Environmental Quality, and county officials. In addition, prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow air quality regulations. Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to check out the following site: https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management.
For additional information about the prescribed burn, please contact BLM Las Cruces District Fuels Specialist Ricky Cox at (575) 525-4467 or BLM Las Cruces District Fire Management Officer Mark Bernal at (575) 525-4305. Follow NMFireInfo.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NMFireInfo, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nmfireinfo for more information.
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