Fire officials have determined it's safe to house wild horses and burros at the Palomino Valley Center Off Range Corrals.Â
Fire crews and facility staff say they have evaluated the site and found that keeping the animals on-site is the safest option for their welfare.
The corrals are on about 80 acres with about 50 acres of defensible space, which means low risk of fire encroaching on the enclosures.
The BLM says staff will provide continuous care which includes feeding, watering, and daily care routines, with contingency plans to ensure a continuous water supply even if the local power grid fails.
Only critical emergency responders and animal care personnel are permitted on-site. Residents and visitors are urged to keep roads clear and avoid the area so crews can focus on entirely on protecting the facility and the animals.
Officials emphasize that while the public is asked to stay away, the animals are being protected with extensive preparations.
If you are traveling near the Palomino Valley Center Off Range Corrals, avoid the corrals and keep access roads open to support firefighting operations.
(Bureau of Land Management contributed to this report.)
