Cibola National Forest Begins Pueblo Colorado Prescribed Pile Burn
Up to 645 acres of forest piles in the Gallinas Mountains are burning today as the Mountainair Ranger District begins hazardous fuels reduction work, utilizing recent moisture to safely manage woody debris.
Igniting the Pueblo Colorado Piles in Torrance County
The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands began ignitions on the Pueblo Colorado prescribed fire piles on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Forest Service officials structured the undertaking as a multi-day operation depending on daily weather conditions. Fire managers targeted Unit 2 of the project, covering up to 645 acres within the Coordinated Resource Management Project area in Torrance County, New Mexico. The site sits southeast of Willard and 15 miles northwest of Corona.
Recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and improved relative humidity drove the decision to move forward with the burns. These weather factors allowed crews to address slash and woody debris left behind from earlier forest restoration work. Fire managers evaluate conditions days and hours before ignition, retaining the option to postpone or cancel activities if weather parameters shift.
Managing Smoke and Road Visibility in the Estancia Valley
No closures are planned for the duration of the multi-day operation, though officials advised visitors to remain alert in the Gallinas Mountains while firefighters are on scene. Smoke may remain visible from Willard, Cedarvale, Corona, and throughout the Estancia Valley. While smoke is expected to lift during daylight hours, cooler overnight temperatures will likely push it back down into low-lying areas near the burn footprint.
Drivers encountering smoke along local routes should slow down and turn on headlights. Forest officials also advised motorists to watch for warning signs posted along roads near all prescribed fire areas. Residents seeking air quality tracking can check AirNow online or utilize the official mobile application. Real-time scheduling updates remain available through InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information, and the Cibola NF & NGs website.