Albuquerque, NM – June 26, 2026 — Fire resources are actively responding to suppress 2 new fire starts that may have resulted from scattered thunderstorms yesterday and overnight throughout central New Mexico.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas. 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!"

Mt. Taylor Ranger District- Zuni Mountains: Foster Fire

Reported Date / Time: June 25, 2026 / 1837                    Cause: Lightning

Size: 1/4 acre       Fire behavior: Low.

Location: Foster Canyon in northeast Zuni Mountains and east of McKenzie Ridge on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. 

Resources on scene: U.S. Forest Service – Cibola National Forest Crew-32 and aviation support.

Strategy: Direct extinguishment.

Smoke may be visible south of I-40 in the surrounding areas of the Zuni Mountains.

Mt. Taylor Ranger District – Zuni Mountains: Rose Fire

Reported Date / Time: June 26, 2026 / 0810                    Cause: Lightning

Size: 1/10 acre     Containment: 100%

Location: Northeast Zuni Mountains and northeast of McGaffey on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. 

Resources on scene: U.S. Forest Service - Cibola National Forest Engine 622 and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Engine 353.

Strategy: Direct extinguishment.

Smoke may be visible south of I-40 in the surrounding areas of the Zuni Mountains.

Weather for Grants, NM: This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. West wind 5 to 15 mph. https://www.weather.gov/ 

An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/  allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

This will be the only release on the Foster and Rose fires unless fire behavior significantly changes.