Cerritos Gap burn window runs Oct. 25–31; agency says work proceeds despite federal shutdown
GRANTS, N.M. — The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire on the north side of El Malpais National Monument as early as Saturday, Oct. 25, with operations possible through Oct. 31 if weather and fuel conditions align.
The Cerritos Gap Project will treat roughly 300 acres of NPS lands off NM 53 near mile marker 63. Fire managers expect two to four days of active ignitions within that window, according to the National Park Service.
NPS says their objective is to thin built-up vegetation in ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper stands, restoring the natural role of low-intensity fire and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire.
Burn Goes on Despite Federal Shutdown
The Park Service confirmed Friday morning that the project can proceed during the lapse in federal appropriations.
In a statement Friday morning to the Citizen, NPS said it is “keeping parks as accessible as possible” and maintaining critical functions that protect life, property, and public health. They said this prescribed-fire work will be funded under existing authorities of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act—fee revenues that remain available until expended and are not dependent on current congressional appropriations.
What to Expect from the Fire
Visitors and nearby residents should expect visible smoke on burn days—most noticeable during the warmest part of the afternoon—and lingering smoke settling into low-lying areas overnight.
NPS says flames may be visible as larger dead and downed fuels are consumed, and some trees may show brown or red needles on lower branches afterward; that “scorching” is a normal effect, and needles will drop, raising canopy height and reducing fuels over time.
Conditions remain dry across Cibola County heading into the burn.
As of Oct. 24, the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies 100 percent of the county in drought. Specifically, 30.44 percent is in Moderate (D1), 56.19 percent in Severe (D2), and 13.37 percent in Extreme (D3).
For the week ending Oct. 20, most of the county recorded little to no measurable rainfall, while daytime highs ran in the 70s to low 80s, contributing to continued surface drying, according to Drought.gov data. Fire managers say they will only ignite when humidity, wind, and fuel moisture meet plan specifications designed to keep fire behavior within control lines.
Travelers on NM 53 near mile marker 63 should slow down, use headlights in smoky conditions, and watch for personnel and equipment.
Sensitive groups, like those with asthma or breathing challenges, can monitor air quality at fire.airnow.gov.