Forest Service prescribed burn caused major New Mexico wildfire, sparking outrage and review of policies

The Cerro Pelado fire in April 2022 was sparked by a Forest Service prescribed burn from February.
The fire burned over 60 square miles and threatened Los Alamos and its national lab.
Investigations found the prescribed burn led to a "holdover" fire that smoldered undetected for months.
New Mexico leaders strongly criticized the Forest Service for the damage caused by the escaped prescribed burn.
The Forest Service will conduct an internal review to improve prescribed burn safety and adapt to changing conditions.