Font ResizeLAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Land Management will conduct two prescribed burns during the week of Feb. 7, according to an announcement from the agency.
The Dripping Springs prescribed fire project - a 40-acre area - is about 12 miles east of Las Cruces and firefighters are planning the burn for Feb. 9. The goal is to reduce grass and shrubs and create a safety zone along the popular Dripping Springs Trail.
The upper portion of the Dripping Springs Natural Area, which includes the visitor's center and the Dripping Springs Trail, will be closed to the public on Feb. 8-10 for safety reasons.
On Feb. 10, firefighters will report to the site of the Centennial prescribed fire project, within McGregor Range on Fort Bliss and BLM lands atop Otero Mesa, to treat about 150 acres of grass and shrubs. Several years ago, a plan was devised to address concerns associated with the potential of a wildfire spreading from the Centennial Bombing Range onto public lands.
Smoke will be present during the ignition phase of both burns. Either could be postponed, if conditions aren't right.
