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Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826
Jemez Springs, NM – The National Park Service plans to implement prescribed burn projects in Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning December 2023 through the end of the 2023-24 winter season as conditions allow. The prescribed burns will occur in previously thinned areas where materials have been piled for burning. The burn operations will be completed in phases over several days depending on weather and fuel conditions.
Prescribed fire is part of a science-based framework for managing ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer forests in the park to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire and allow low-intensity fire to play its natural role in a frequent-fire ecosystem. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives and will prioritize firefighter and public safety.
The planned pile burn projects are located within the park on South Mountain (980 acres), San Antonio Mountain (1,400 acres), Cerro San Luis (670 acres), and Cerro Pinon (69 acres).
Given recent snowfall, the first operation on South Mountain may occur as early as December 5th. The plan is to treat 300 to 500 acres of piles over the coming weeks, as conditions allow.
Because of the location and elevation of this and subsequent operations, smoke from these burns may be visible from all directions coming into the Jemez Mountains, including La Cueva, Sierra Los Pinos, Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, Cañon, Gilman, and Los Alamos. Smoke may linger for a few days after each burn.
A final decision on whether to proceed with a specific prescribed burn will depend on multiple conditions, including the national wildland fire preparedness level and resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality, and forecasted weather.
The National Park Service manages prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state regulations on air quality and smoke management. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. You can also review information on the Forest Stewards Guild’s HEPA Filter Loan Program.
Public notifications will be issued 1-3 days prior to subsequent burn operations conducted within the park.
Fire updates will be posted on the park’s website under Current Conditions, Facebook page, and the New Mexico Fire Information website. Smoke-sensitive individuals may also be added to the park’s notification system by emailing a request to the park.
Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall.
National Park Service | More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.
NPS / Pueblo Parks Fire
Last updated: November 30, 2023