BLM Plans Prescribed Burn in Socorro County
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SOCORRO, N.M. – Between Feb. 22, 2022, and March 15, 2022, the BLM’s Socorro Field Office, in cooperation with the New Mexico State Land Office, White Sands Missile Range, and private landowners, will be burning sacaton draws east of Socorro and Bernardo, NM, weather permitting. Up to 1,200 acres of grass and brush will be burned in two separate burn units. One unit is located five miles south of US Highway 380-mile marker 50, 20 miles Southeast of Bingham, NM. The other unit is located directly 18 miles East of Bernardo, NM. The objectives for the burn are to rejuvenate decadent grasses, reduce wildfire risk, reduce tree encroachment into sacaton draws, improve watershed health, and enhance wildlife habitat.
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 more visible smoke. Smoke will be visible from US Highway 60 East near Blue Springs, Socorro, White Sands Missile Range, 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.
Prior to and during all prescribed fires, fire managers coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and follow all air quality regulations. People who are either susceptible to or affected by COVID-19 may have health conditions that also make them vulnerable to smoke exposure. For more information about smoke and protecting your health, please visit https://nmfireinfo.com/smoke-management.
Questions about the burn should be directed to the BLM’s Socorro Field Office at (575) 835-0412. You can also follow the implementation of this project on NMFireInfo.com, on Twitter at @nmfireinfo, or at facebook.com/nmfireinfo.
The BLM manages more than 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.