News Release

Valles Caldera Remains Closed; New Fire Start on West Side

Date: April 28, 2022
Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826

Jemez Springs, NM – The Cerro Pelado Fire continues to burn south of Valles Caldera National Preserve within the Santa Fe National Forest. In order to protect public and firefighter safety during wildland fire suppression and emergency operations on the Cerro Pelado Fire, Valles Caldera National Preserve remains closed until further notice.

New Mexico State Route 4 is open again to local traffic. If heavy traffic impedes firefighting efforts and endangers firefighter safety, the road could be closed again.

A new fire start was detected on the western side of the park in the area of Freelove Canyon this afternoon. The initial report is that 3.3 acres have burned and the initial attack on the fire is being done by the Type I team currently fighting the Cerro Pelado Fire. Crews are on the ground working on the fire. Cause of the start is unknown at this time.

Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website at https://nmtracking.org/fire. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire updates are being posted on: 

• Inciweb 

• Santa Fe National Forest’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed 

• Santa Fe National Forest’s Closures and Restrictions interactive map 

• Valles Caldera National Preserve’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed 

• New Mexico Fire Information website 

 — nps.gov/vall —