US Forest Service - Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

06/11/2026

June is Great Outdoors Month: a perfect time to get outside in the forest or on the grasslands.

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day on June 13th with a picnic, hike or bike ride! Time in nature can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost creativity, and support memory and cognition.

June 13th is a fee-free day for the US Forest Service, providing use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands at no cost.

Next upcoming Forest Service Fee Free Day:
Independence Day: July 4. 2026

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

New Wildfire Start on Mt Taylor Ranger District

Fire resources are responding to suppress the Hausner Wildfire within Zuni Mountains on the Mt Taylor Ranger District.

Reported start date / time: June 8, 2026 / 1700

Cause: Lightning.

Size: Estimate 2 acres.

Location: In the area of Hausner Canyon southeast Zuni Mountains, 5 miles NW of Oso Ridge Lookout on Mt. Taylor Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire area. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Resources on scene: US Forest Service.

Fire behavior: moderate.

Fuels: Timber.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible north of NM-53, SW of I-40, west of Grants and Milan, NM in the Zuni Mts. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Weather: The forecast for Grants, NM tonight: A slight chance of rain and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 20%. https://www.weather.gov/

This will be the only release on the unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

The Mt Taylor District is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/fire for fire restriction information.

06/06/2026

New Fire Start on Magdalena Ranger District

Firefighters respond to the Ryan Fire near Ryan Canyon

Fire resources are responding to suppress the Ryan Fire within southeast Magdalena Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District.

Reported start date / time: June 6, 2026 / 1134

Cause: Undetermined at this time, lightning was detected in the area.

Size: Estimate 1/4 acre.

Location: Mountainous terrain of Southeast Magdalena Mountains on the Magdalena Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the Ryan Fire area. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Responding Resources: US Forest Service - Magdalena Ranger District Battalion 33, Bitterroot Engine 631, Roosevelt Hotshots and Type 1 Helitanker.

Strategy: Resources are utilizing Direct Extinguishment Strategy to engage the fire and air support is being utilized.

Fire behavior: low to moderate.

Fuels: The fire is burning in oak and Pinyon-Juniper.

Smoke: May be visible from South of NM60, Magdalena, Socorro and San Antonio.

Values at risk: The Ryan Fire is not a threat to any values at risk or communities.

Weather: The forecast for Magdalena, NM today: This Afternoon: A slight chance of sprinkles. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 5 mph becoming west. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. https://www.weather.gov/

This will be the only release on the Ryan Fire unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: The Magdalena Ranger District is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/fire for fire restriction information.

06/05/2026

Interagency National Fire Prevention Education Team activated
to raise awareness of wildfire prevention and preparedness

Albuquerque, NM, June 4, 2026 — The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, in its ongoing effort to protect lives and property, has deployed a 12-person federal and state, multi-agency National Fire Prevention Education Team (NFPET). The Fire Prevention Education Team’s purpose is to reinforce local wildfire prevention resources and to bring special wildfire prevention planning, logistics, and operations expertise to complex situations. Like Incident Management Teams, NFPETs are emergency resources called to meet the host unit’s wildfire prevention goals and objectives. The NFPET is to partner with local agencies and groups to promote wildfire safety messaging and to reduce the chances of human-caused wildfires.

According to Michael Wallace, Fire Fuels Aviation Deputy Fire Staff Officer, “The deployment of a Fire Prevention Team will help reduce risk, support local resources, and strengthen community preparedness. Their efforts will enable us to identify gaps in our program, provide consistent public outreach, and take proactive measures to prevent unwanted fire starts during periods of elevated fire danger. The campaign slogan “Know Before You Go” reflects the broader effort to reduce human-caused wildfires, particularly those associated with unattended campfires, recreation, and vehicle use."

Stacey Grimes, Team Lead, commented “Our goal is to raise awareness as to what everyone can do to prepare for and prevent a wildfire. To this end, the Team will distribute prevention and preparedness messaging using all avenues of public outreach: social media, local events, public venues, radio and television interviews.” Grimes reminds everyone to “never leave your campfire or burning debris pile unattended and make sure all fires are out cold before leaving. Before burning debris, check weather conditions and never burn on windy days. Always check for local fire restrictions before lighting any type of fire.” Should you see smoke, or a wildfire, call 911. Everyone has a part to play to protect our public lands and communities from wildfires.

For any questions regarding the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands NFPET, please contact Francisco Salazar at [email protected]. For fire prevention resources and how to prepare your home visit https://linktr.ee/NM_Wildfire_Prevention
US Forest Service - Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands
U.S. Forest Service-Santa Fe National Forest
U.S. Forest Service - Carson National Forest

06/04/2026

June is Great Outdoors Month: a perfect time to get outside and reconnect with your wild side. Family, friends and even pets can join in on the fun.

The U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of , providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

"For National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers hosted 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with more than 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We hope those who love Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether it’s volunteering to build new trails, pick up trash near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement here: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails.../find-an-event/

Plan to spend National Trails Day outside, and plan for the next upcoming Fee Free Days:
National Trails Day: June 6, 2026
National Get Outdoors Day: June 13, 2026
Independence Day: July 4. 2026

06/03/2026

Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands to
Implement Stage I Fire Restrictions

Rescinding Stage II Fire Restrictions effective June 5th

The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands is rescinding the previous Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands Stage II Fire Restrictions and implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions effective Friday June 5, 2026.

Forest managers consider several factors for determining fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions. Stage I Fire Restrictions mean fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites and picnic areas where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided for use on the Ranger Districts.

Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites per Stage I Fire Restrictions. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device, if they meet manufacturer’s safety specifications and have on/off switches. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites. Chainsaw use is permitted.

Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal year-round. Campfires must be out and cold to the touch – before you walk away. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.

The official Fire Restriction orders are posted on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands website at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts

• Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-07-26-08 in effect from Friday June 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM through Monday Aug. 31, 2026 at 2359, unless rescinded.

Previously announced Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect:
• Mt. Taylor Ranger District Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-02-26-04.
• Mountainair & Sandia Ranger Districts: Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05.
• Magdalena Ranger District Stage I Fire Restriction Order 03-03-03-26-06.

For additional information on fire restrictions within New Mexico go to: Southwest Fire Restriction Map: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/aa9ff369dd414b74b69b696b40a1d057

For more information contact the appropriate district office:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/offices

05/28/2026

Information on Mt Taylor Ranger District Seco Fire
Southeast Mount Taylor Mountains

Firefighters responded yesterday evening to suppress the Seco wildfire within southeast Mt Taylor Mountains on the Mt Taylor Ranger District.

Reported start date / time: May 27, 2026 / 1659

Cause: Under Investigation.

Size: .75 Acre

Containment: 50%

Location: Southeast Mt Taylor Mountains on the Mt Taylor Ranger District within New Mexico.

Resources on scene: US Forest Service.

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters utilized direct extinguishment strategy. Forward progression was stopped using crews constructing handlines. Today, firefighters will continue to secure the perimeter as well as mop-up interior hotspots.

Fuels: Timber, piñon-juniper, grass.

Weather: The forecast for Grants, NM today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind around 15 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light after midnight. https://www.weather.gov/
Residual smoke may be visible from San Fidel, Cubero, Acoma Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see smoke conditions.

This will be the only release on the Seco Fire unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: The Mt Taylor Ranger District is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/fire for fire restriction information.

Forest Service photo: Firefighters on Seco Fire - Mt Taylor Ranger District on May 27, 2026

05/25/2026

New wildfire on Mountainair Ranger District
Firefighters respond to the Canon Del Terrero Fire

Mountainair, NM – May 25, 2026 — Firefighters are actively responding to suppress the Canon Del Terrero Wildfire

Reported start date / time: May 25, 2026
Cause: Undetermined/Under Investigation
Size: Approximately 1 Acre
Location: Off of USFR-321 – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. Northwest of Tajique, New Mexico
Resources on scene: 3 USFS Type 6 Engines, 1 Torrance County Engine and 1 Torrance County Water Tender.
Fire Behavior and Strategy: Firefighters are using a Direct Extinguishment Strategy. The Canon Del Terrero Fire is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior. The fire is burning in timber within an area that has previously been treated.
Fuels: Timber, piñon-juniper, grass. Oak and ponderosa pine litter.
Evacuations: The Canon Del Terrero Fire is NOT currently a threat to any communities and there are NO Evacuations in effect.
Values at risk: There are no values currently at risk.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. The public is encouraged to avoid the surrounding area so that first responders can continue their efforts. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”
Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Tajique, NM Highways 55 and 337 and the Estancia Valley. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Weather: Today - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 64 by 5pm. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 3am, then a chance of showers after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 47.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: The Mountainair Ranger District is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/fire for fire restriction information.

This will be the only release on this fire unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

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05/22/2026

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands’ Supervisor and District Offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. Essential services not included.

All offices will resume business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors all U.S. military that lost their lives while serving in the armed forces, both in times of war and peace.

The long weekend is also the unofficial kick-off of summer and a time to enjoy the forest and grasslands. The holiday marks the first fee-free day of the summer season. This means fees are waived for standard day-use sites, trailheads, and picnic areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits

Visitors should prepare for their visit by checking status of recreation sites online or contact the appropriate ranger district office ahead of time. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits

As previously announced, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands have implemented the following district Fire Restrictions. The purpose of fire restrictions is to protect public health and safety during the current period of high fire danger.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts
• Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts are currently in Stage 1 Fire Restriction as of May 8, 2026.
• Kiowa/Rita-Blanca National Grasslands is currently in Stage 2 Fire Restriction as of February 28, 2026.

All fire restrictions can be viewed on the National Interagency Fire Center Southwest Fire Restriction Map. https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/aa9ff369dd414b74b69b696b40a1d057

For more information, contact the appropriate district office: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/offices

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 (505-287-8833)

Magdalena Ranger District: 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825 (575-854-2281)

Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)

Sandia Ranger District: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)

Black Kettle National Grassland: 18555 Hwy 47A W, Ste B, Cheyenne, OK 73628 (580-497-2143)

Kiowa/Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 714 Main St., Clayton, NM 88415 (575-374-9652)

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office:
2113 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (505-346-3900)