Park Service to Conduct Prescribed Fire Burns at Valles Caldera

Published on October 28, 2025

National Park Service fire staff from the Pueblo Parks Fire Group are planning to begin winter pile burning operations within the South Mountain, San Antonio, and Cerro Pinyon project areas of Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning on or around Nov. 3, 2025. Burning activities will continue throughout the winter months as weather and fuel conditions allow, and ignitions will occur only when adequate snow cover or moisture is present to ensure safe and effective operations.

The prescribed pile burns are designed to reduce hazardous fuels, promote forest health, and decrease the risk of high-severity wildfires in the future. The piles consist primarily of woody debris generated from previous forest thinning and fuels reduction projects.

During active burning, smoke may be visible from Highway 4, nearby communities, and other areas within and surrounding the Preserve. Fire managers will monitor weather conditions closely and implement strategies to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities and roadways.

Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority during all prescribed fire activities.

The NPS 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.

Fire updates will be posted on the Current Conditions page of the park’s website and the park's Facebook page, as appropriate. Smoke-sensitive individuals may also be added to the preserve’s notification system by emailing the park and calling 575-829-4100, option 3.