News Release

Tentative Prescribed Burn at Gran Quivira Unit

Date: January 22, 2026
Contact: Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services, 505.581.6922

MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. – Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire at the Gran Quivira Unit. The primary objective of this prescribed fire is to remove mechanical thinning piles and reduce the potential for the future spread of fire. 

The Gran Quivira prescribed burn will treat approximately 100 acres of National Park Service land and is tentatively scheduled to occur between Jan. 27 through Feb. 28. No established trails within the Gran Quivira Unit are within the prescribed fire boundaries. Smoky conditions may occur within the Gran Quivira Unit and along NM Highway 55. 

Ignitions will only occur when conditions are just right. Fire managers carefully assess weather, wind, fuel moisture, and air quality to ensure two critical goals: safe operations and effective smoke dispersal. Every ignition follows strict prescription standards designed to minimize fire spread and protect communities and resources.

The park will issue a public notice on the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument website and social media channels when specific dates for the prescribed burn are identified. The public notice will also note any potential impacts to visitor access during the prescribed fire.

Smoke will be most visible on days when burning occurs, mostly during the warmest part of the day. With cooler temperatures in the evening, smoke may linger in low-lying areas. Flames may be visible as fire consumes larger dead and down fuels. Smoke and flames can persist for several days after active ignitions are complete.

After the prescribed fire, pinyon, juniper, and other tree species may show brown or red needles on lower branches. This is a normal effect of fire on live vegetation called scorching. The red or brown needles will fall off and help raise canopy height, allowing native grasses and ground vegetation to receive more sunlight and stimulate growth. It also increases the distance between ground and ladder fuels to prevent crown fires.

For questions about the tentative prescribed fire, please call the visitor services office at 505-581-6922. Fire information will also be available on the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument website, Facebook, Instagram and X pages and https://nmfireinfo.com. Learn more about what’s involved in planning and implementing a prescribed fire at www.nps.gov/subjects/fire/index.htm.