Forest Service News Release

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

2113 Osuna Road NE

Albuquerque, NM 87113

(505) 346-3900

www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola

www.facebook.com/cibolanf

x.com/cibola_nf

Cibola National Forest to
Implement Stage I Fire Restrictions

On Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts

(Albuquerque, NM – May 5, 2026) — Effective Friday May 8^th, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts. See attached maps.

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 these fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions. 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 on the Ranger Districts.

Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites per stage 1 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 dead out – 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. These stage 1 fire restrictions shall be in effect from May 8, 2026 at 0800 through Aug. 31, 2026 at 2359, unless rescinded.

•   Mt. Taylor Ranger District Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-02-26-04.

•   Mountainair & Sandia Ranger Districts: Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05.

•   Magdalena Ranger District Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-03-26-06.

Previously announced Stage 2 Fire Restriction:

•   Order 03-03-07-26-03: Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Stage 2 Fire Restriction remains in effect since Feb. 28, 2026.

For additional reference on fire restrictions within New Mexico go to: Southwest Fire Restriction Map

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)

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

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.