September 25, 2026 
Magdalena Ranger District – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands
Successful Ignitions Lead to the Reduction of Hazardous Fuels
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 25, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has finished ignitions on 390 acres of the Hop Patterson Pile Burns, successfully reducing hazardous fuels within the project area.
Fire crews will continue with the mop-up phase to put out remaining heat, turn over debris, and ensure piles are fully extinguished safely within their footprint. Smoke may still be visible from Alamo and Magdalena, NM in the coming days as moisture moves in and out of the project area causing residual smoke to settle into low-laying areas. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas while the burn operations wrap up and resources remain in the area.
We use prescribed fires to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
This will be the final release on Hop Patterson Pile Burns unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.
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