Mountainair Ranger District Fire Danger Rating Updated to HIGH

The fire danger rating for the Mountainair Ranger District has been updated to HIGH. Fire Danger Ratings for Districts of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands:Black Kettle Ranger District: ModerateKiowa and Rita Blanca Ranger District: ModerateMagdalena Ranger District: HIGHMount Taylor Ranger District: HIGH (Stage 1 Fire Restriction Implement 4/18/2025 on Mt Taylor RD)Sandia Ranger […]

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Rio Grande Fire Notification – Valencia County – 4/17/2025

April 17, 2025  The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of state and local resources in New Mexico.   Rio Grande Fire  Update: The Rio Grande fire is estimated at 150 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. […]

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Mt. Taylor Ranger District Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Effective Friday April 18, 2025 ALBUQUERQUE, NM – April 17, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on all National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District as described per order 03-03-02-25-05 and as shown on the attached map. This Order shall be in […]

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Mt. Taylor Ranger District Fire Danger Rating Updated to HIGH

Fire Danger Ratings for Districts on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands as of April 16, 2025:Black Kettle Ranger District: ModerateKiowa and Rita Blanca Ranger District: ModerateMagdalena Ranger District: HIGHMount Taylor Ranger District: HIGH (Rating Update)Sandia Ranger District: ModerateMountainair Ranger District: Moderate The Fire Danger Rating is calculated by measuring the dryness of wood, […]

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Make Sure It’s Out! Spring Campfire Safety

Don’t get caught off-guard! Campfires can escape when you least expect it! Restrictions are in effect due to fire danger in many areas of the state|SW Area Fire Restrictions. If allowed, be attentive to your campfire at all times and keep a shovel and water close by. It must be cold to the touch before you […]

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Fire Crews Respond to First Wildfire of Season

Carson National Forest fire crews are on scene of the first wildfire of the season in the forest. The Sandoval Fire, first reported around 3:15 p.m., is located about two miles west of Petaca, N.M., with an estimated size between 2 and 3 acres. The low-intensity fire is burning with a moderate rate of spread […]

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Magdalena Ranger District Fire Danger Rating Update to High

The fire danger rating for the Magdalena Ranger District has been updated to HIGH. Black Kettle Ranger District: ModerateKiowa and Rita Blanca Ranger District: ModerateMagdalena Ranger District: HIGH (Rating Update)Mount Taylor Ranger District: ModerateSandia Ranger District: ModerateMountainair Ranger District: Moderate The Fire Danger Rating is calculated by measuring the dryness of wood, grass and other […]

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Prepared at Home: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Are you prepared for a power outage during wildfire season? Whether an unexpected outage occurs from a wildfire or is a temporary action by your utility company to prevent wildfires, you may be impacted. Consider that an outage can impact lighting, heating, cooling, communication, food and medicine refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment. The American Red […]

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On the Road: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Did you know? Wildfires started by vehicles is one of the highest causes in New Mexico. You can Spark Safety Not Wildfire by: Maintaining vehicle to prevent malfunctions Securing tow chains Maintaining proper tire pressure Checking and securing tire lugnuts Checking for dragging parts Not parking on dry grass Using ashtray in vehicle Keeping a […]

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Prepared Worker: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Getting outside for spring projects? Managing a crew? If using equipment, remember these safety tips: Work early morning when temps are cooler Check for Red Flag warnings and/or local ordinances and Fire Restrictions Maintain equipment, especially spark arrestors Clear work areas of dry vegetation, use a welding blanket, wet area down Welding, grinding, or cutting […]

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Prepared Camper: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Concerned with winds picking up on your trip? Skip the campfire, use a propane fire ring instead! Just like with a campfire, place in cleared area, keep it maintained, and never leave it running unattended! The best part is you can just turn it off. Campfire Safety The prepared camper’s checklist: Fire extinguisher in vehicle […]

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Campfire Safety: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Campfires and outdoor recreation are the 2nd largest category of wildfires caused by people in the southwest. Buried embers can smolder for days. Always drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat until cold. #sparksafetynotwildfire

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Burn Barrel Safety: Spark Safety Not Wildfires

Thinking about using a burn barrel? Clear 10 feet to mineral soil around the barrel. Make sure it’s properly ventilated and has a 1/8” screen cover to prevent ember escape. Check for holes that would allow embers to escape and screen those areas also or replace the barrel. Always keep water and tools nearby! Spark […]

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Burn Debris Safely: Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week

Did you know? Debris and open burning are the top cause of human-caused fires in the Southwest. Backyard debris burning video from Smokey Bear and the Ad Council. Stay safe and protect your property while burning debris by following these six tips: Contact your local fire authority. Avoid burning on dry, windy days, when a […]

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Join Us! SW Wildfire Awareness Week, March 24-29, 2025

Today kicks off the Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Spark Safety Not Wildfires,” focused on the three top causes of wildfires in New Mexico: 1)Debris and Open Burning, 2)Campfires, and 3)Equipment/vehicles. Recognizing that conditions in the West remain warm and dry, residents have an opportunity to take proactive steps. From the desert […]

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Gail Fire Update Final – 3/21/25

Gail Fire  Update:  Yesterday, crews progressed on the Gail fire, identifying interior hot spots and increasing containment to 25%. More accurate mapping decreased the fire’s size to 108 acres. Today, crews will continue to mop up and secure fire edges. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes.  The […]

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Gail Fire, Pond Fire, Milagro Fire Updates 3/20/25

Wildfire Updates – Gail, Pond, Milagro  March 20, 2025  NB: This will be the final notification for Pond Fire and Milagro Fire unless there are significant changes.   Gail Fire  Update: Resources progressed on the Gail Fire yesterday, constructing and enhancing line and working on interior hot spots. Containment was raised to 10% and communities were […]

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Final Update on Mountainair Ranger District Fires

Ox and Rona Fires 100% Contained March 20, 2025 UPDATE Name: Ox Fire Reported start date / time:    March 18, 2025 / 1600              Cause: Undetermined.Size: 4.3 acres           Containment: 100% Location: Manzano Mountains south of Ox Canyon on the Mountainair Ranger District – New Mexico – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. Approximately 5 miles […]

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Update on Mountainair Ranger District Fires

Firefighters Respond to Ox Fire & Rona Fire March 19, 2025 UPDATE Name: Ox FireReported start date / time:    March 18, 2025 / 1600              Cause: Undetermined.Size: 4.3 acres           Containment: 30%Location: Manzano Mountains south of Ox Canyon on the Mountainair Ranger District – New Mexico – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. Approximately 5 miles […]

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Gail Fire, Pond Fire, Milagro Fire Update

March 19, 2025  The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on three wildfires that are requiring the attention of state, local, and federal resources in New Mexico.   Gail Fire  Update: The Gail Hill fire is estimated at 235 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. […]

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