Whiskey Update

Mountainair Ranger District

September 14, 2026

Reported: August 21, 2026
Cause: Lightning Location: 15 Miles NW of Mountainair, NM
Size: 459 acres Fuels: Mixed conifer
Containment: 42% Fire Behavior: Moderate

Operations: Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priorities. Firefighters implement a full suppression strategy using a combination of direct and indirect tactics. Focus suppression efforts on actions that offer the greatest likelihood of success while minimizing risk to firefighters and aviation personnel, and protect critical values at risk. Reduce impacts to communities and other values at risk whenever possible. Maintain and strengthen all primary control lines while continuing to scout and evaluate contingency lines. Prepare trails and other potential holding features in advance. Assess the feasibility of strategic ignition operations to moderate anticipated slope-driven fire behavior. Continue using aviation resources to assist in securing and reinforcing the fire perimeter.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. In order to facilitate safe and efficient suppression efforts, the public is asked to avoid the fire areas and adjoining trails. Privately owned aircraft and 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!

Smoke: May be visible from Belen, Bosque Farms, El Cerro Mission, Las Maravillas, Los Lunas, Meadow Lake, Valencia, Peralta, Rio Communities, Mountainair, Torreon and Manzano.

Closure: Area, Road, and Trail Closure Order in effect for National Forest System (NFS) lands surrounding the Whiskey Fire (03-03-04-26-21). Review the closure orders here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.

Weather: The weather for today will be partly cloudy in the morning hours, followed by mostly cloudy in the evening hours. Along with it being mostly cloudy, there is a 50% chance of precipitation, with scattered showers and thunderstorms. There will be winds from the southwest between 6-8 mph.

Public Information 8am – 8pm
(505) 230-5424
2026.whiskey@firenet.gov