Cannon AFB announces prescribed burn at Melrose Air Force Range
Media Release, Cannon AFB Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The Cannon Air Force Base Fire Department, in coordination with the Kirtland Wildland Fire Support Module, is scheduled to conduct a prescribed burn at Melrose Air Force Range, Oct. 9-14, 2026.
Approximately 13,000 acres are scheduled for prescribed burning near the Village of Melrose, New Mexico. Active burn operations are anticipated to take place between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day, conditions permitting.
The prescribed burn is intended to reduce hazardous and flammable vegetation while improving overall rangeland conditions by targeting invasive and noxious grass species. The operation also provides valuable training opportunities for fire personnel while supporting the long-term safety and sustainability of Melrose Air Force Range.
Prescribed burning will only begin when environmental and weather conditions meet established requirements outlined in the prescribed fire plan. Fire personnel will evaluate factors including humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction, and vegetation moisture before initiating operations. Crews will also conduct small test fires to evaluate fire behavior and confirm burn and smoke-management objectives can be safely achieved.
Cannon’s air quality manager and wildland fire and fuels specialists have coordinated with appropriate New Mexico air quality authorities to minimize potential smoke impacts to nearby residents and surrounding communities. Smoke may be visible from the Melrose Range and other surrounding areas during daylight hours throughout the prescribed burn period.
Fire personnel, equipment and vehicles will be visible in and around active project areas. Motorists traveling near Melrose Air Force Range are encouraged to remain alert, reduce speeds and use caution around fire personnel and equipment.
For questions regarding the planned prescribed burn, please contact Cannon Public Affairs Office at: 27SOWPA.publicaffairs@us.af.mil
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