July 31, 2026 
Rock Springs Fire and Notches Fire – Zuni Mountains
Albuquerque, NM – July 31, 2026 —Firefighters are actively responding to suppress several wildfires following monsoonal thunderstorms this week within the Mount Taylor Ranger Districts of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas.
Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”
Mount Taylor Ranger District- Zuni Mountains: Rock Springs Fire
Reported Date / Time: July 28, 2026 / 2259
Cause: Lightning Size: 6 acres.
Location: Central Zuni Mountains near Little Water Canyon, west of NM 612, north of NM 53 on the Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Resources on Scene: U.S. Forest Service –Cibola National Forest Engine 623, Alabama Engine 651 and aviation resources.
Strategy: Direct extinguishment.
Operation: No new fire growth from yesterday’s response. Firefighters are actively engaged in reinforcing containment lines and continuing to extinguish interior hot spots.
Fire Behavior: Moderate spread potential.
Fuels: Oak and pine litter.
Smoke: May be visible west from Ramah and El Moro, NM.
Mount Taylor Ranger District- Zuni Mountains: Notches Fire
Reported Date / Time: July 29, 2026 / 1542
Cause: Lightning Size: 5 acres.
Location: South central Zuni Mountains, west of NM 612, north of NM 53 on the Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest
Resources on Scene: New Mexico Forestry Division Oso Fire Module, Cochiti Fire Module and aviation resources.
Strategy: Direct extinguishment.
Operation: No new fire growth from yesterday’s response. Firefighters are actively engaged in reinforcing containment lines and continuing to extinguish interior hot spots.
Fire Behavior: Moderate spread potential.
Fuels: Mix conifer and grass.
Smoke: May be visible west from Ramah and El Moro, NM
Additional updates will be sent as new information is received.
Weather for Grants, NM (July 31, 2026): Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. https://www.weather.gov/
July 30, 2026 – Photo of Rock Springs Fire in foreground and Notches Fire in background within the Zuni Mountains of the Mount Taylor Ranger District – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands
NM Fire Info 
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