Non-Local News Releases

McKenzie Ridge Fire in Zuni Mountains
Gobbler Springs and Spud Fires in Mount Taylor Mountains

Albuquerque, NM – July 19, 2026 — Fire resources are actively responding to suppress new fire starts that may have resulted from scattered thunderstorms yesterday 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!"

An infrared (IR) flight is planned for today for central and northern New Mexico zone. IR aircraft are used to detect new fires started by lightning when they are small.

SANTA FE — More than 230 community projects across all 33 New Mexico counties will receive state funding, supporting services ranging from behavioral health and senior meal sites to youth programs and public safety. 

The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) administers the Legislature-prioritized projects in the Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) program, which launched July 1. 

Created by the Legislature in 2024, GRO is a performance-based fund for pilot programs and community initiatives. Awards to state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, school districts, tribal entities, and higher education institutions are all tied to measurable outcomes reported over the two-year funding period. DFA partners with local governments and regional councils of governments to distribute funds and support recipient organizations. 

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

SANTA FE — Seventeen animal shelters across New Mexico will receive nearly $2 million to improve the care and sheltering of domestic cats and dogs. 

Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) administers the New Mexico Animal Welfare Program, which provides a framework for ongoing state support of animal welfare initiatives focused on the care and sheltering of cats and dogs. 

Funded projects address facility construction, renovation, and equipment needs: 

City of Aztec – $28,032 for new HVAC systems. 

City of Bayard – $290,600 for kennel construction, HVAC, drainage, and storage upgrades. 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 30 oil and gas parcels totaling 8,071 acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas in a November 2026 sale. The comment period ends August 17, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in June 2026 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

Firefighters Respond to Lightning Fires
on Mountainair Ranger District

Albuquerque, NM – July 16, 2026 — Firefighters continue to respond to multiple lightning strike fires as a result of Wednesday's scattered thunderstorms on the Mountainair Ranger District.

An infrared (IR) flight is planned for today for central and northern New Mexico zone. IR aircraft are used to detect new fires started by lightning when they are small.

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 Mountains Wilderness: Gallo Fire

Mexican wolf recovery achieves another milestone

Five additional Mexican wolf pups moved from captivity to the wild

In early June 2026, five new-born Mexican wolf pups provided by captive programs associated with the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) project were released into the wild by the Arizona Game and Fish Department – continuing a nearly 20-year-old program aimed at managing the genetic diversity of this wolf subspecies.

This practice, referred to as "fostering", involves taking pups that are less than 14 days old from captivity and placing them into a den of pups produced by wild parents. The wild parents adopt and raise these new youngsters as their own, increasing the genetic diversity of the subspecies on the landscape. 

Deadline to apply for draw hunts is Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife will begin accepting applications for draw Sandhill crane and pheasant permits beginning at 10 a.m. July 15.

Applications can be made through your online account or by phone at 888-248-6866. The application deadline for draw Sandhill crane and pheasant permits is Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. Successful applicants must have a valid 2026-2027 Game Hunting License or Game Hunting and Fishing License, as well as any applicable stamp(s), in addition to their draw permit. 

The hunts available during this draw application period are listed below: