Candy Kitchen Volunteer Fire Department

06/16/2026

🎨🛣️ NEW ARTWORK NOW GREETS VISITORS ON ROUTE 66 IN GRANTS! 🛣️🎨

Take a look at the newest artistic addition along Historic Route 66 in Grants! This vibrant and eye-catching Route 66 installation celebrates the spirit, history, and culture of the Mother Road while adding another unique photo opportunity for residents and visitors alike.

A special thank you goes to Nazario Sandoval for creating this beautiful piece of artwork and helping bring more color, creativity, and community pride to our Route 66 corridor. His talent and vision have created a landmark that reflects the character and energy of Grants as we celebrate the Route 66 Centennial.

Be sure to stop by, snap a photo, and share your pictures with us!

📸 Have you seen it yet? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

06/13/2026

Tree deaths tripled in New Mexico during the second warmest year on record, according to a new report that shows a mixed portrait of resilience and vulnerability across New Mexico’s forested landscapes.

Each year, the New Mexico Forestry Division and U.S. Forest Service conduct aerial surveys to map insect and disease activity across 14 million acres forests and woodlands.

This year’s survey shows that during 2025:

→ Beetle-killed conifer forest increased 211%, mostly on national forest lands
→ Forests impacted by drought and heat increased 66%
→ Defoliation (distinct from mortality) decreased 51%
→ Total acreage with damage decreased 6%

While pest populations boom and bust in cycles, New Mexico’s forests are persistently stressed by prolonged drought, rising temperatures and resource competition due to too many trees on the landscape.

“Our forests have exceeded the land’s carrying capacity,” said Victor Lucero, forest health program manager. “No matter what, disturbance events will try to rebalance our ecosystems, whether it’s through human intervention, like proactive thinning, or biological events such as pest outbreaks or wildfire. We can manage disturbances to prevent catastrophic events like these in the future.”

“It's important to contextualize that this report is a snapshot of New Mexico’s forests at a specific time,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. “However, this snapshot is a good predictor of what to expect for the next few years if such meager precipitation and warm winter temperatures persist.”

📰: Read the full release and the report: https://mailchi.mp/state/tree-deaths-tripled-2025

06/03/2026

Go with the flow! 📉 I made a chart to keep your road trip on the right track.

Sparks from your vehicle can start a wildfire, so take a look and see if you’re following the safest route. Visit my website, SmokeyBear.com, for more tips.

06/03/2026

05/26/2026

Just a reminder that even though we got some much needed moisture yesterday, does not mean it is safe to burn!

We are still in a county wide burn ban due to the current severe drought conditions. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this time. Stay safe out there and stay vigilant. If you see concerning smoke please call it in and help us keep our community safe 🚫🔥

05/23/2026

Another day, another structure fire successfully contained and extinguished. Big thanks to Fence Lake Volunteer Fire Department for showing up to assist.

Remember if your wood stove has been sitting unused for a while to verify operating condition/use caution before use.

05/21/2026

New Mexico is in crisis-level drought due to a dangerous combination of record-low snowpack and record-high temps. That’s why I declared statewide drought and severe fire conditions this week. We’ve already had twice the wildfires this year compared to last — and we want to do everything we can to prevent more.

Avoid open burning. Build defensible space around your home.

Visit the Drought in New Mexico website for updates and resources, link in the first comment.