Dates Extended for Stage I Fire Restrictions  on Kiowa and Rita-Blanca, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts 082726

Dates Extended for Stage I Fire Restrictions

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

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(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current Stage I Fire Restrictions from Mon., Aug. 31, 2026 at 2400 through Thurs., Dec. 31, 2026 at 2400, unless rescinded.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 Oct. 31, 2026 at 2359, unless rescinded.

Official Fire Restriction orders and maps can be viewed on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands website at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.

Forest managers consider several factors for determining fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions. Stage I Fire Restrictions mean fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites and picnic areas where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided for use on the Ranger Districts.

Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites per Stage I Fire Restrictions. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device, if they meet manufacturer's safety specifications and have on/off switches. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites. Chainsaw use is permitted.

Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal year-round. Campfires must be out and cold to the touch – before you walk away. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.

 For additional information on fire restrictions within New Mexico go to: Southwest Fire Restriction Map

For more information contact the appropriate district officehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/offices

Kiowa/Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 714 Main St., Clayton, NM 88415 (575-374-9652)

Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)

Sandia Ranger District: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation's forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.