September 23, 2026 
Favorable Conditions Allow for Ignitions to Continue
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 23, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has performed successful ignitions on the Hop Patterson Pile Burns, reducing hazardous fuels across 250 acres of the project area. With favorable conditions continuing throughout the week, crews will continue to burn an anticipated 150 additional acres of piles. Smoke may be visible into the coming weekend as ignitions continue this week.
Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire area is located 3 miles south of Magdalena and adjacent to the communities of Hop and Patterson Canyon within the Magdalena Mountains, NM. Smoke may be visible from Alamo and Magdalena, NM. See map attached.
We use prescribed fires to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
This area may be closed to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burn. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. Smoke is expected to lift during the day, however, cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying areas surrounding the burn location. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will continue to evaluate weather conditions throughout the operations. If conditions change, the anticipated prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about scheduled prescribed fires through InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information and on the Cibola NF & NGs website, and Cibola Facebook sites. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
Hop Patterson Rx pile burning. USDA Forest Service photo.
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