Fuel Mitigation Projects
Current Projects
Wildfire Mitigation Work to Begin on Bayo Canyon Trail October 8, 2025
Los Alamos, New Mexico—For public safety, and in coordination with the Los Alamos County Manager’s Office, the LAFD will temporarily close a section of the Bayo Canyon Trail beginning Wednesday, Oct. 8, to continue its three-phase wildfire fuels reduction project.
This effort marks Phase 2 of the project and is expected to last approximately one week, through Oct. 16, depending on weather conditions. Closures will occur only during active operations and reopening once work is completed for the day. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The trail closure will extend to the bridge east of Deer Trail in Bayo Canyon, including portions of the Bay Canyon Trail behind the stables, from lot 700-8 to 700-45 of North Mesa Road. The LAFD will thin approximately 14 to 20 acres to reduce ladder fuels, space canopies, and establish a more effective fuel break. Residents in the area may hear noise and see activity from robotic masticators during the project.
This mitigation project uses Burnbot technology in partnership with the Santa Fe County Fire Department’s Black Canyon crew. Phase 1 is under way on Canyon Rim Trail, and the final phase will address sections of the Canada del Buey trail later this month. The entire project is expected to conclude by Oct. 21.
LAFD asks trail users to observe posted signs and respect all closures until the work is completed.
LAFD Deploys Burnbot Technology to Continue Wildfire Mitigation
Los Alamos, New Mexico—The Los Alamos County Fire Department (LAFD) is proud to announce a new contracted wildfire-mitigation project that marks the first use of Burnbot technology in New Mexico. LAFD has contracted directly with Burnbot, an industry leader in advanced fuel-management technology, and is working in partnership with the Santa Fe County Fire Department’s Black Canyon Crew to bring this innovative approach to local wildfire risk reduction.
Burnbot’s cutting-edge system combines technological innovation with proven forestry practices to reduce hazardous fuels across targeted areas of the county. Its Remote Mastication Teams, operated by trained technicians, deliver precise vegetation mitigation while maintaining low ground pressure—protecting sensitive soils and ecosystems. This remote capability allows crews to safely and efficiently treat locations that are otherwise inaccessible, expediting the creation of defensible space and strengthening community wildfire resilience.
Establishing services with Burnbot was a project initiated by retired Wildland Division Chief Kelly Sterna prior to his retirement earlier this month. His leadership laid the groundwork for introducing this new technology and ensuring a smooth transition as the department continues its progressive approach to fire management.
The Black Canyon Crew brings a strong record of collaboration with LAFD, having played a key role in completing the Department of Homeland Security’s 2018 fuel-mitigation grant. Their experience in creating defensible spaces within Los Alamos County’s Wildland Urban Interface makes them an ideal partner as Burnbot’s technology is deployed for the first time in the state.
Crews will be assisting the Los Alamos Fire Department from September 30 through October 21. Residents are asked to observe posted signs and avoid work areas, which include:
• Canyon Rim Trail from Station 6 to the east
• Bayo Canyon Trails behind the stables down to Deer Trail Road
• Canada del Buey Trail from Rover to Meadow in White Rock
The safety of Los Alamos County residents remains LAFD’s highest priority. These efforts underscore the department’s ongoing commitment to protect both the community and its natural resources through innovation and collaboration. The public will see activity across the county in our more forested areas. If you come across our mitigation operations, please allow for a safe distance.
Los Alamos Fire Department and County Parks and Open Space to Begin Wildfire Fuels Reduction Project
Los Alamos, New Mexico— Starting Monday, March 17th, 2025 Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) in collaboration with Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Department will begin work on an important wildfire fuels reduction project that will provide much-needed mitigation in several areas of Los Alamos. The primary focus points of this project will include ladder fuels reduction, increasing tree canopy spacing and fuel break construction.
LAFD has identified multiple project areas, which include the following areas:
• North Rd and Ridgeway - 7 acres
• San Ildefonso Rd and El Gancho St. - 3 acres
• Barranca Crossing - 2 acres
• Canada Del Buey Trail -17 acres
• Pueblo Canyon - 25 acres
LAFD crews along with Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space will start mitigation work in the North Rd. area, which includes marking trees to be thinned, chainsaw work and the use of woodchippers.
Residents may hear noise and see activity in the forested areas from chainsaws and woodchipper operations. No traffic disruption is expected as part of this project.
Equipment use will be limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work will be conducted Monday through Friday and the weekend until mitigation work in these areas has been completed.
This project will continue throughout the spring and summer months with crews performing continued mitigation as funding, resources and weather conditions allow. Signage will be posted in areas to alert residents of the work being performed. Please stay clear of the mitigation in these areas and adhere to posted signage to avoid hazardous operations.
Previous Complete Projects
Wildfire Mitigation Work to Begin on Canyon Rim Trail October 2, 2025
Los Alamos, New Mexico—For public safety, and in coordination with the Los Alamos County Manager’s Office, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will temporarily close a section of the Canyon Rim Trail beginning Thursday, Oct. 2, to conduct important wildfire fuels reduction. The project is expected to last a little more than one week, depending on weather conditions, with closures occurring only during active operations and reopening once work has been completed for the day.
The trail closure will extend between Fire Station 6 and the eastern Canyon Rim trailhead parking lot. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. LAFD will thin about 14 to 20 acres to reduce ladder fuels, space canopies and establish a more effective fuel break. Residents in the area may hear noise and see activity from robotic masticators during the project. The Canyon Rim Trail effort is the first phase of LAFD’s three-phase wildfire mitigation project, which uses Burnbot technology in partnership with the Santa Fe County Fire Department’s Black Canyon crew. Subsequent phases will include mitigation work that will temporarily close sections of the Bayo Canyon and Canada del Buey trails. The entire project is expected to continue through October 21.
“Public safety and community wildfire resilience are our top priorities,” said Acting Wildland Division Chief Van Leimer. “This project represents an innovative step forward in reducing fire risk and protecting both residents and natural resources.”
LAFD asks trail users to observe posted signs and respect all closures until work is finished. For more information about mitigation efforts in Los Alamos County, visit the Wildland Division website, or contact LAFD at 505-662-8301.
The completed mitigation Project thinned trees and shrubs on approximately 114 acres of County lands and offered fire hazard mitigation assistance to homeowners.
The purpose of the Project was to:
- reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire;
- protect the lives and safety of citizens and firefighters;
- create defensible space around residential areas and critical facilities; and
- promote ecosystem health.