ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Fire crews with the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands have completed prescribed pile burning operations within the Pueblo Colorado project area on the Mountainair Ranger District and are now focused on mop-up and monitoring activities.
According to forest officials, crews successfully ignited an additional 190 acres of burn piles this week in Unit 3 of the project area. Combined with 211 acres completed the previous week in Unit 2, firefighters have treated a total of 401 acres as part of the prescribed fire operation.
Crews remain in the area using hand tools to extinguish lingering hot spots, turn over smoldering material, and patrol the burn area until conditions are fully secured.
The Pueblo Colorado prescribed burn project is located within the Coordinated Resource Management Project area in the Gallinas Mountains of Torrance County, southeast of Willard and northwest of Corona.
Officials say no closures are currently in effect, but visitors traveling through the Gallinas Mountains should remain aware of firefighting activity and equipment operating in the area.
Residents in nearby communities, including Willard, Cedarvale, Corona, and portions of the Estancia Valley, may continue to see residual smoke from the burn area as cleanup operations continue.
Forest officials say this will be the final update on the Pueblo Colorado prescribed fire project unless conditions change or additional information becomes necessary.
