Non-Local News Releases

New Fire Start on Mountainair Ranger District

Whiskey Fire - Manzano Mountain Wilderness

 Albuquerque, NM – August 21, 2026 — Fire resources are actively responding to suppress the Whiskey Fire that may have resulted from scattered thunderstorms yesterday within the Manzano Mountain Wilderness area.

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!" 

Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness: Whiskey Fire

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico House Republicans are blasting Democratic leaders for rushing to defend Edgar Chacon-Miranda following his arrest by ICE, while ignoring the disturbing criminal allegations in his past.

According to DHS and court records, Chacon-Miranda was previously arrested and charged with second-degree criminal sexual penetration, battery against a household member and child abuse. The criminal complaint alleged he sexually assaulted a woman while their children were present and later grabbed and shook her, causing her head to strike a headboard.

The case never went to trial. The charges were dismissed after prosecutors failed to proceed within required time limits while the First Judicial District Attorney's Office was led by Marco Serna.

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) today criticized Democrat Gubernatorial Nominee Deb Haaland and leading New Mexico Democrat officials for turning this week's federal law enforcement arrest of Edgar Chacon-Miranda in Santa Fe into a political spectacle, rather than addressing why a man with a serious criminal history, including charges for criminal sexual penetration and child abuse, remained free in a New Mexico community for years.

"Democrats once again choose political theater over public safety," said Sharer. "Instead of asking hard questions about how someone facing such serious charges slipped through the cracks of our justice system, they held a press conference to attack the federal agents doing their job. New Mexicans are tired of watching their leaders defend a system which intentionally enables situations like this to happen instead of doing anything to fix it."

According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Chacon-Miranda was arrested this week as part of a targeted enforcement operation, with DHS citing his arrest for battery against a household member, criminal sexual penetration, and child abuse. The Santa Fe District Attorney failed to prosecute him before the statute of limitations expired.

A notice of intent will be published in the Federal Register initiating a 30-day public comment period

Washington, D.C., August 21, 2026 - The U.S. Forest Service today announced plans to publish a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for amending the existing Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212). This proposed revision simplifies the regulatory requirements to enhance quicker local decision-making and increase access, including for motorized vehicles, e-bikes, and other mobility devices.

"Public lands are for public use, yet for too long, Forest Service regulations have stood in the way of public recreation access," said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden. "With this step, USDA begins the process of ensuring the public can access their forests and USDA can better manage the lands with which the public has entrusted it."

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

RED RIVER, N.M. — A man sustained non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning after being bitten by a bear while camping.

Department of Wildlife conservation officers are currently on the scene investigating the incident and securing the area. The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

In light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be "bear aware" while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety.

If you plan to camp in bear country, please follow these safety guidelines:

See below

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management leased 25 parcels totaling 20,334 acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas for $139,021,741 in total receipts during a quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Combined lease bonus bids and rentals are distributed between the federal government and state where parcels are located.

Today's sale is the latest in a series of successful sales in New Mexico, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands. A record oil and gas lease sale in May generated more than $4 billion in New Mexico and Texas. So far this calendar year, lease sales in New Mexico have generated more than $4.4 billion. That's about 90% of the $4.9 billion in oil and gas leasing revenue this year for all of BLM.