Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands to Implement Stage I Fire Restrictions

Rescinding Stage II Fire Restrictions effective June 5th

(Albuquerque, NM – June 3, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands is rescinding the previous Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands Stage II Fire Restrictions and implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions effective Friday June 5, 2026. See attached maps.

Forest managers consider several factors for determining fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions. Stage I Fire Restrictions mean fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites and picnic areas where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided for use on the Ranger Districts.

Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites per Stage I Fire Restrictions. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device, if they meet manufacturer’s safety specifications and have on/off switches. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites. Chainsaw use is permitted.

Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal year-round. Campfires must be out and cold to the touch – before you walk away. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.

The official Fire Restriction orders are posted on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands website at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.

• Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-07-26-08 in effect from Friday June 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM through Monday Aug. 31, 2026 at 2359, unless rescinded.

Previously announced Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect:

• Mt. Taylor Ranger District Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-02-26-04.
• Mountainair & Sandia Ranger Districts: Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05.
• Magdalena Ranger District Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-03-26-06.

For additional information on fire restrictions within New Mexico go to: Southwest Fire Restriction Map

For more information contact the appropriate district office:

Kiowa/Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 714 Main St., Clayton, NM 88415 (575-374-9652)

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 (505-287-8833)

Magdalena Ranger District: 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825 (575-854-2281)

Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)

Sandia Ranger District: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)