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BLM plans sacaton prescribed burns in central New Mexico

Albuquerque DO
Socorro FO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Socorro Field Office

SOCORRO, N.M. – Between now and March 31, 2026, the BLM’s Socorro Field Office, in cooperation with private landowners, will be burning sacaton draws east of Socorro, N.M., weather permitting. Up to 2,000 acres of grass and brush will be burned in several burn units. The objectives for the burn are to rejuvenate decadent grass, reduce wildfire risk, reduce tree encroachment into sacaton draws, improve ecosystem health, and enhance wildlife habitat.

Details of each prescribed burn location are as follows:

  • North units: located approximately 20 miles southeast of Bernardo, N.M. Smoke may be visible from Highway 60 but is not expected to impact the highways. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution when driving through the areas.
    • Tecolote Draw – 633 acres
    • Cibola – 167 acres
    • Rancho Grande – 305 acres
    • Redonda #1 – 24 acres
  • South units: located 3-12 miles north of U.S. Highway 380 and approximately 16 miles east-southeast of Socorro, N.M. Smoke may be visible from Highway 380 but is not expected to impact the highways. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution when driving through the areas.
    • Taylor Well – 272 acres
    • Francisco Well (1 & 2) – 197 acres
    • New Well – 177 acres
    • Wild Horse – 84 acres

Active ignition will take one to two days for each individual burn unit, with some smoke visible in the burn areas for up to a week after ignition operations are completed. Firefighters will monitor the burn until there is no visible smoke. Smoke may also be visible from Socorro, White Sands Missile Range, Mountainair and Bingham.

Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools to control vegetation. By reducing the volume of vegetation under prescribed conditions, land managers mimic the natural fire cycle, which greatly reduces the dangers and risks associated with unplanned wildfires.

Questions about the burn should be directed at the BLM’s Socorro Field Office at 575-835-0412. You can also follow implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com or on Facebook.com/nmfireinfo.

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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.