03/26/2026
Update April 1, 2026 2:00pm
The Sierra Vista Ranger District will resume operations for the Border II Prescribed Burn project on April 2, 2026, if weather conditions are favorable. No closures are expected.
As noted at the onset of this project, light persistent smoke is expected to be present with some periods of heavier smoke which may be seen coming over the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. This will likely be visible from Sierra Vista and the surrounding communities. This burn will be taking place with light wind, and the smoke is expected to carry up and out of the area upon completion of the ignitions.
Sierra Vista Ranger District (520)378-0311 / [email protected]
All updates will be posted to the page for the U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest.
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Update: March 27, 2026 9:30pm
The prescribed burn will not resume tomorrow, Saturday, March 28th and is likely to be postponed until conditions are more favorable next week. Montezuma Pass should be open. Please be aware of mop-up crews that may be working at and west of the pass.
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The following two updates were provided by U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest:
March 27, 2026 4:35pm
Ignitions are complete for the day for the Border I portion with resources remaining on scene in monitoring status.
If conditions continue to be favorable, the Border II portion of this project will continue as planned for tomorrow, March 28, 2026.
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March 27, 2026 Prescribed Burn update:
Border I test fire took place at approximately 8:00 am with all conditions proving favorable. Ignitions have continued throughout the morning and afternoon building in depth along the perimeter. Wind continues to support ignitions. Smoke is visible in the surrounding area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AYKnefP7D/
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Original Post:
The Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, in collaboration with multiple partner agencies, will be conducting a prescribed burn March 27-29, 2026, on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains in the Border I and II areas as indicated on the attached map, if environmental and safety conditions continue to be favorable.
The burn will include about 120 acres within Coronado National Memorial. Visitors should expect visible smoke and the following closures during this time: Yaqui Ridge and Coronado Peak trails, along with the Montezuma Pass parking and picnic area, will be closed Friday, 3/27 and Saturday, 3/28. Montezuma Pass Road will be closed beyond the Cave Trail parking area all day Friday, 3/27, with delays likely continuing into Saturday, 3/28. The hiker shuttle will not run on Friday, 3/27.
Prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuels, support healthy forest and grassland conditions, improve wildlife habitat, and help protect nearby communities.
Photo: Border I and II Prescribed Burn Map