Fire Restrictions Lifted Across Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts of Cibola National Forest

Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, September 17, 2026 —

Fire restrictions are set to be lifted across significant portions of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. Effective Friday, the Mountainair Ranger District and the Sandia Ranger District will no longer enforce current fire restrictions.

This change indicates an improvement in fire weather conditions, allowing for the resumption of activities that were previously limited or prohibited due to heightened fire risk. Forest officials typically implement fire restrictions when conditions are dry and windy, increasing the likelihood of wildfires starting and spreading rapidly.

The lifting of these restrictions means that, as of Friday, visitors may be able to resume activities such as campfires in designated areas, subject to any standard forest regulations that remain in effect. However, all forest visitors are strongly advised to continue practicing fire safety and to be aware of current conditions.

Even with restrictions lifted, it is crucial for individuals using fire to ensure that fires are properly managed and extinguished. This includes dousing campfires with water and stirring the ashes until they are cool to the touch before leaving a site. Adherence to safe practices helps prevent accidental ignitions and protects the natural resources of the National Forest and Grasslands.

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompass vast areas that are vital for recreation and ecological preservation. Management of fire risk is a continuous process, with restrictions often adjusted based on seasonal changes, weather patterns, and vegetation dryness. Further updates regarding forest conditions or any potential changes to fire management policies will be communicated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Story summarized from the original created by Jordan Honeycutt on www.krqe.com, see more information here.

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