With incidences of wildfires increasing daily, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division are announcing restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfires, and open fires in New Mexico. The restrictions are in effect as of 12:00 p.m. today, Friday, April 22, 2022. The Forestry Division will continue to coordinate with other jurisdictions […]

The Simona Fire, located near Jarales in Valencia County, remains 25% contained and is estimated at 165 acres. Due to the strong winds forecast today, crews will be patrolling the fire area on a regular basis looking for any signs that fire has escaped containment lines. Firefighters are using hand tools and a bulldozer to […]

The Simona Fire, located near Jarales in Valencia County, remains estimated at 165 acres and 0% containment. Despite strong winds, crews are making good progress in creating a safe line around the fire, which is burning on both sides of the Rio Grande. Firefighters are also continuing efforts to ensure the protection of two large […]

The Cooks Peak Fire, located on private land north of Ocate in Mora County, is now estimated at 21,200 acres and 0% containment. Winds will continue to be a major factor in fire growth today as firefighters work to gain ground creating additional fire lines. Firefighting aircraft will only fly when it is safe to […]

The Simona Fire, located near Jarales in Valencia County, remains estimated at 165 acres and 0% containment. The fire continues to burn on both sides of the Rio Grande tonight. The Valencia County Fire Department reports that crews are protecting critical infrastructure in the area of the fire, including two large natural gas lines and a […]

The Cooks Peak Fire, located on private land north of Ocate in Mora County, is now estimated at 20,000 acres and 0% containment. The adjustment in acreage comes after an infrared flight was made over the fire late this afternoon. Significant winds continue to fuel the Cooks Peak Fire along with severe drought conditions and […]

The Simona Fire is a new wildfire located in the Jarales Bosque, in Valencia County. The fire is estimated at 80 acres and 0% contained. The fire is burning on both sides of the Rio Grande near Jarales Road and Highway 346. Structures are threatened, and voluntary evacuations are in place. No structures have been […]

The Cooks Peak Fire, located on private land north of Ocate in Mora County, remains very active tonight as winds continue to persist over the fire area. Winds are forecast to be 30 to 40 miles per hour sustained with gusts to 60 mph through Wednesday morning (04/20). Significant fire growth was observed today to […]

Effective Date: April 20, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE OF BURN BAN By order of the Fire Chief, the Village of Angel Fire is now in a BURN BAN. During this ban, it is unlawful within the Village limits to intentionally cause, create, tend or allow an open fire of any type, except a barbecue fire in […]

The Cooks Peak Fire, located on private land north of Ocate in Mora County, has significantly increased in activity today (04/19) due to strong winds. Warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity are also fueling activity, especially at the head of the fire on the south flank. The fire is currently moving north toward the Colfax […]

The Big Hole Fire, located on state and private land in the Belen Bosque in Valencia County, is 85% contained and remains estimated at 890 acres. Crews will continue to mop up hot spots and remove trees that pose a hazard to the public. Fire operations have returned to the NM Forestry Division as of […]

The Cooks Peak Fire, located on private land north of Ocate in Mora County, remains estimated at 2,209 acres and 0% containment. Aircraft was able to drop water and fire retardant on the fire’s southern flank and at the head of the fire. There will be a Red Flag warning for the fire area today (04/19) […]

Contact:  Jodi McGinnis Porter, jodi.mcginnis-porter@state.nm.us                   Matthew Maez, matthew.maez@state.nm.us  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2022 State issues smoke advisory for northeast New Mexico residents SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico Environment Department is issuing a Smoke Advisory for potentially impacted northeast New Mexico communities this Monday night and Tuesday morning. […]