02/07/2025
The Cibola NF & NGs Supervisor’s Office and all Ranger District offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of July 4th Federal Holiday. Essential services not included.
The Cibola NF & NGs offices will resume regular office business hours on Monday, July 7th.
As our nation gears up for the July 4th holiday weekend, the Cibola NF & NGs encourages everyone to help prevent human-caused fires with a few helpful tips while visiting public lands. Nationally, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, including half of all wildfires on national forests. Keep these tips in mind to help prevent human-caused wildfires:
Leave fireworks at home
Fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
Keep vehicle safety in mind
Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes or sparks can start a fire.
When pulling a trailer, be sure safety chains and other metal parts aren’t hanging from your vehicle – loose chains can drag and cause sparks.
Drown your campfire
Where campfires are allowed, choose a site with an existing ring. Fire pits in established campgrounds are the best spots. If you choose to build a campfire, avoid building it near your tent, structures, vehicles, shrubs or trees and be aware of low-hanging branches overhead. Clear the site down to bare soil, at least five feet on all sides, and circle it with rocks. Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
Never leave a fire unattended and make sure your fire is ‘dead out’ and cold to the touch before leaving your campsite. Use the drown, stir, feel method when extinguishing your campfire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Never build a campfire in an unauthorized area or in an area that is under fire restrictions. Find information on fire restrictions at: (website)
Consider alternatives to a campfire such as portable gas stoves that use bottled, liquid fuels or a propane fire ring.
Smoke responsibly
Follow all posted restrictions. Never discard cigarette butts on the ground or in vegetation. Fully extinguish cigarette butts before throwing them away.
Know before you go
Visitors are encouraged to check the status of recreation sites on-line or contact the appropriate ranger district office ahead of time. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/cibola/recreation
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices
• Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Stage 1 Fire Restriction effective April 18 (order 03-03-02-25-05).
• Magdalena Ranger District: Stage 1 Fire Restriction effective May 22 (order 03-03-03-25-08).
• Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts: Stage 1 Fire Restriction effective June 18 (order 03-03-00-25-12)
Stage 1 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.
Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites on the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts per Stage 1 Fire Restriction Orders. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used district-wide 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.
For more information contact the appropriate district office:
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)
