From: FS-Cibola PAO <SM.FS.CibolaPAO@usda.gov>
Date: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Lowering from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective Wednesday June 18th - Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands
To:
NEWS RELEASE
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
(505) 346-3900
Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts
Lowering to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Effective Wednesday June 18th
Termination of Stage 2 Fire Restriction Order Number: 03-03-00-25-07
Implementation of Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order Number: 03-03-00-25-12
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – June 18, 2025 – With increased live fuel moisture levels and green up, the Cibola NF & NGs leadership has lowered previously implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions to Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts effective June 18th. See maps attached.
Stage 1 fire restrictions mean fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided for use on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.
Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts per this Stage 1 order. 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.
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.
While previous precipitation brought some relief to these areas, fire managers ask the public to always practice fire safety with anything that can spark a fire. Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal year-round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.
The official stage 1 fire restriction order for Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts (03-03-00-25-12) is posted on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Alerts & Notices
Mt. Taylor and Magdalena Ranger Districts remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions until further notice:
• 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).
Any fire related information and updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook & X pages.
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)
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.