Non-Local News Releases

August 30th Update on
Whiskey Fire-Mountainair, NM

Mountainair, NM – August 30, 2026 — Crews continue to make progress on contingency preparations around the Whiskey Fire. West-side crews completed brushing along the Comanche Trail and secured the trailhead while crews in New Canyon went direct with the fire, constructing line and putting out hotspots. A fixed winged intelligence platform equipped with infrared technology also completed a reconnaissance flight, providing firefighters with a more accurate assessment of the fire perimeter and acreage.

Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.

Cause: Lightning. Size: 351 acres Containment: 0% Personnel: 132

Manzano Mountains - Mountainair Ranger District

Mountainair, NM – August 29, 2026 — Crews are conducting scouting operations and constructing indirect fire line on both the east and west sides of the fire. The Incident Commander and operations personnel are conducting reconnaissance flights to assess fire size, movement, and behavior as it progresses through rugged terrain in and around the Jaramillo Drainage.

Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.

Cause: Lightning. Size: 250 acres Containment: 0% Personnel: 131

Location: Steep terrain north of Osha Peak, south of Capilla Peak and west of the Manzano Crest Trail in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness within the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.

Fuels: Mixed conifer. Fire Behavior: Moderate

District Court Enters Final Judgment Striking Down New Mexico's Waiting Period Law in NRA Victory 

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico granted summary judgment holding New Mexico's 7-day waiting period law unconstitutional in Ortega v. Grisham—a case brought by the National Rifle Association and Mountain States Legal Foundation, in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Enacted in 2024, New Mexico's law requires purchasers of firearms to "cool off" for seven days before taking possession of a newly purchased firearm—even if they immediately passed a background check demonstrating that they are not prohibited from owning firearms. The NRA and MSLF filed the case the day the law took effect.

August 28th Update on
Whiskey/Blanco/Cerro Wildfires

Manzano Mountains - Mountainair Ranger District 

Mountainair, NM – August 28, 2026 — More resources have arrived and are actively engaged on suppression efforts for three wildfires burning within the Manzano Mountains of the Mountainair Ranger District. This will be the final update for the Blanco and Cerro Fires unless changing conditions warrant additional information.

Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness: Whiskey Fire (Update)

Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.                           

Cause: Lightning.  Size: 181 acres     Containment:0%      Personnel: 133

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: 

I-25 Guardrail Replacement Project, Mile Marker 6 to 14.2, Las Cruces to Dona AnaLC00384

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. — The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday sued New Mexico's Higher Education Department, challenging a 2005 state law that grants in-state tuition and financial aid to students regardless of immigration status. The suit, filed alongside similar complaints against Arizona, Oregon and Washington, argues the policy discriminates against U.S. citizens who don't qualify for the same reduced rates. Senator Crystal Brantley (R-District 35) released the following statement:

"New Mexico has looked the other way on this loophole for years despite Republican outcry. I'm glad the USDOJ didn't. This isn't about shutting the door on opportunity. It's about fairness, accountability, and putting New Mexico students first. Our taxpayers deserve that. And our students certainly do."

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Whip Alan Martinez (R-Rio Rancho) has formally filed an ethics complaint with legislative leadership over Rep. Andrea Romero's (D-Santa Fe) employment with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office while simultaneously serving as a member of the New Mexico Legislature.

The complaint raises potential violations of NMSA §§ 2-1-3, 2-1-4 and 2-1-5, which address compensation involving legislators and state employment and carry felony penalties for violations.

A member of the public has also filed a separate complaint with the State Ethics Commission regarding Romero's state employment.

Dates Extended for Stage I Fire Restrictions

 on Kiowa and Rita-Blanca, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts

MAP BELOW

(Albuquerque, NM – August 27, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands extends the effective dates of Stage I Fire Restrictions currently on the Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts. See attached maps.

Stage I Fire Restriction dates have been extended per orders:

•   Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: (New order 03-03-07-26-17) extends current Stage I Fire Restrictions from Mon., Aug. 31, 2026 at 2400 through Thurs., Dec. 31, 2026 at 2400, unless rescinded.

•   Mountainair & Sandia Ranger Districts: (New Order 03-03-07-26-20) extends current Stage I Fire Restrictions from Mon. Aug. 31, 2026 at 2400 through Sat. Oct. 31, 2026 at 2359, unless rescinded.