October 26, 2026 
Sandia Ranger District
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – October 26, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) fire managers plan to begin prescribed (Rx) fire ignitions tomorrow (Oct. 27) on the previously announced Sandia Ranger District – Cedro Unit Piles. Officials expect the project to be a one-day operation, as conditions allow.
Fire managers are taking advantage of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and improved relative humidity, which together create suitable conditions for burning piled slash and woody debris piled during earlier forest restoration work.
Cedro Unit Rx Fire Piles: The burn area is in the Manzanita Mountains, south of Forest Road 462, east of N.M. 337. No closures are planned. However, visitors should stay alert in the areas of Coyote, Delberts, and Mighty Mule trails, as well as Forest Road 462 while firefighters are working.
Smoke may be visible from Interstate 40, Albuquerque, Tijeras, Edgewood and Moriarty.
Residents may experience smoke during the burn. For air quality information, visit AirNow online or download the app. Smoke is expected to lift during the day, but cooler overnight temperatures may cause it to settle into low-lying areas near the burn. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. When driving through smoke, slow down and turn on your headlights.
Fire managers will continue to evaluate conditions hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.
Sandia Ranger District – Office: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)
Stay informed about scheduled prescribed fires through InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information and on the Cibola NF & NGs website, and Cibola Facebook sites.
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