You are here

Home » Bandelier National Monument Threatened By Cerro Pelado Fire

Bandelier National Monument Threatened By Cerro Pelado Fire

Share
By Kurt Repanshek - May 9th, 2022

A corner of Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico was threatened Monday by flames from the Cerro Pelado wildfire, which was burning through "very dry" forestlands and being fanned by wind gusts approaching 45 mph.

Nearly 900 firefighters, backed by aerial water and fire retardent drops, bulldozers to carve fire breaks, and fire-spitting helicopters to start backfires, were struggling to make progress against the flames.

By Monday morning the fire covered nearly 41,000 acres, with containment lines gouged around just 11 percent of the fire's perimeter. Flames were licking the northwestern corner of Bandelier where the national monument touches Valles Caldera National Preserve, which had fire along a small portion of its southeastern border. 

Both units of the National Park System have been closed by the fire, which was reported April 22.

"Critical weather is expected again today as strong southwest winds combine with low relative humidities and very dry fuels," the Monday morning fire briefing report noted. "Sustained winds of 20-25 mph with gusts to around 45 mph will be fairly common over most areas, especially the higher elevations and exposed ridges, with lighter winds in some of the lower canyons."

Feeding the flames were dry brush and stands of stands of ponderosa pine and mixed conifers.

National Park Service personnel could not be reached to discuss the fire's approach towards Bandelier, though firefighters and NPS personnel were said to be proactively wrapping structures in the monument with fire-resistant materials, installing sprinkler systems, and removing ground fuels and low-hanging limbs that could provide a "ladder" for flames to climb up into trees.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.