Whiskey Fire Update – September 18, 2026

Reported: August 21, 202
Cause: Lightning Location: 15 Miles NW of Mountainair, NM
Size: 542 acres Fuels: Mixed conifer
Containment: 48% Fire Behavior: Minimal

Operations: Yesterday, the fire area received 8/10 of an inch of rain, so crews were able to start engaging in suppression repair activities, chipping operations, and begin to return the forest to what it was before fire crews made an impact on trails, roads and other areas. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priorities. Crews are using a full suppression strategy with a combination of direct and indirect tactics while minimizing risk to firefighters and aviators and reducing impacts to communities and values at risk. The fire is located in rugged terrain with limited water sources and difficult resource access, requiring extended travel via wilderness trails. Due to the remote location, medical evacuation would be prolonged and challenging. UAS are being utilized for continued fire perimeter monitoring, and suppression repair work is being assessed and implemented across all divisions.

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 mostly cloudy with scattered showers throughout the day and into the evening hours, followed by thunderstorms. The chance of precipitation is 70% throughout the day; there will be winds from the southwest at 8 to 10 mph, with gusty and erratic winds expected during the thunderstorms in the afternoon.

If any concerns or questions, please reach out to:
(505) 230-5424
2026.whiskey@firenet.gov
Office operating hours:
Public Information 8am – 8pm