August 24, 2026 
Cerro Fire & Blanco Fire – Manzano Mountains
Albuquerque, NM – August 24, 2026 — Firefighters are currently on scene of two new wildfires on the Mountainair Ranger District. Estimated at 10 acres each, the Cerro and Blanco Fires are burning in timber and mixed conifer in the Manzano Mountains west and southwest of the Fourth of July Canyon. Both fires are exhibiting active growth with moderate winds and dry conditions.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. In order to facilitate safe and efficient suppression efforts the public is asked to avoid the Fourth of July recreation area and adjoining trails.
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!”
Resources on Scene: U.S. Forest Service – Cibola National Forest Engine 641, Florida Engine 15; New Mexico Forestry Division (NMFD) N6S-63 and San Carlos Type 2IA.
Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness – Cerro Fire
Reported Date / Time: August 24, 2026 / 1302. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.
Cause: Undetermined. Size: est. 10 acres.
Location: Manzano Mountain Wilderness west of Fourth of July Canyon – Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Strategy: Direct extinguishment.
Fuels: Timber and mixed conifer.
Fire Behavior: Active.
Values at risk: Fourth of July Campground and recreation area.
Smoke may be visible from Chilili, Tajique, Torreon, Manzano, Punta de Agua, Manzano and the Estancia Valley.
Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountains – Blanco Fire
Reported Date / Time: August 24, 2026 / 1540. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.
Cause: Undetermined. Size: est. 10 acres.
Location: Manzano Mountains southwest of Fourth of July Canyon – Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Strategy: Direct extinguishment.
Fuels: Timber and mixed conifer.
Fire Behavior: Active.
Values at risk: Fourth of July Campground and recreation area.
Smoke may be visible from Chilili, Tajique, Torreon, Manzano, Punta de Agua, Manzano and the Estancia Valley.
Additional updates will be sent as new information is received.
Weather forecast for Mountainair, NM (August 24, 2026) Today: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Tuesday (August 25, 2026) Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. https://www.weather.gov/
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.