Non-Local News Releases

Recent rains reduce wildfire threat; public urged to remain cautious during fall burning season

SANTA FE – The New Mexico state forester is rescinding statewide fire restrictions in response to recent rains which have reduced the threat of wildfire across the state.

"Late season precipitation has helped to alleviate wildfire spread," said State Forester Laura McCarthy. "While fire restrictions are lifting, the public should continue to be vigilant about preventing human-caused wildfires, especially when conducting fall agricultural burns and at hunting camps."

Magdalena Ranger District Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire – Final Update

Successful Ignitions Lead to the Reduction of Hazardous Fuels

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 25, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) has finished ignitions on 390 acres of the Hop Patterson Pile Burns, successfully reducing hazardous fuels within the project area.

Fire crews will continue with the mop-up phase to put out remaining heat, turn over debris, and ensure piles are fully extinguished safely within their footprint. Smoke may still be visible from Alamo and Magdalena, NM in the coming days as moisture moves in and out of the project area causing residual smoke to settle into low-laying areas. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas while the burn operations wrap up and resources remain in the area.

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) issued the following statement after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland announced she will not participate in any debates with Republican nominee Gregg Hull before the November 3 election.

"A governor's race without a single debate is nearly unheard of in New Mexico, and Deb Haaland's decision to walk away from every opportunity is a slap in the face to the voters she is asking to trust with this state. After months of excuses, she handed her opponent a 48-hour ultimatum, rejected every offer on the table, and dismissed the entire process as a sideshow. She has found time for national cable interviews, yet she will not spend a single hour answering to New Mexicans.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates: 

Americans living in some states face far higher burglary rates than those elsewhere, according to a new study comparing reported burglaries across 48 states.

The analysis by Liberty Home Products examined the number of burglaries recorded in each state alongside the burglary rate per 100,000 residents.

New Mexico ranked first, recording 8,607 burglaries and a rate of 404.9 per 100,000 residents, the highest of any state included in the study.

SANTA FE— The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) requests a total budget of $273,165,600 for Fiscal Year 2028 to support statewide public safety operations, including critical personnel, technology, training and systems relied upon by law enforcement agencies and communities throughout New Mexico.

Of the total request, $231,756,900 is requested from the General Fund to support the Department's three primary programs: the Law Enforcement Program, Statewide Law Enforcement Programs, and Program Support. Together, these programs provide law enforcement services, training, technology, records, forensic testing, and operational support that strengthen New Mexico's criminal justice system.  This represents an increase of $18,236,200, or 8.5 percent, over the FY2027 General Fund allocation.

Temporary Seasonal Hiring
Begins for Winter

Applications Open Now Through October 5

(Albuquerque, NM – September 25, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is hiring temporary seasonal employees! Local residents are encouraged to apply.

Our seasonal recreation employees will assist in maintaining and improving campgrounds, trails and recreation sites and facilities. Archeologist seasonal positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience, and the chance to support public lands close to home. 

Learn more about the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands at:www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola

Applications are open now through October 5 on USAJobs.gov.

Fire Restrictions Lifted on Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands

Effective Friday, September 25

(Albuquerque, NM, September 25, 2026) – Due to weather patterns and increased moisture, fire officials on the Cibola National Forest are lifting fire restrictions for the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands effective Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. The decision to lift fire restrictions was made based on fuel moisture levels and the amount of precipitation received on the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands.