September 1st Update on Whiskey Fire-Mountainair, NM

Substantial precipitation over the fire aids crews in firefighting efforts.

Mountainair, NM – September 01, 2026 – The Whiskey Fire received approximately three-quarters of an inch of rain Monday evening and overnight, significantly reducing fire activity across the incident. The precipitation dampened fuels and strengthened previously constructed fireline, allowing firefighters to declare portions of the fire perimeter contained.

Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.
Cause: Lightning. Size: 380 acres Containment: 11% Personnel: 117

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

Operations: Overnight precipitation significantly affected operations on the Whiskey Fire, with road washouts and saturated terrain limiting firefighter access to the fire area. Runoff damaged several sections of the recently improved Trigo Springs Road, cutting furrows into the graded surface. Heavy equipment remained out of operation throughout the day due to flooding and saturated road conditions, while hand crews were also held back because of limited access and reduced fire activity in damp fuels.

Fire activity remained minimal throughout the day, primarily consisting of isolated smoldering in heavy fuels with limited visible smoke. Persistent cloud cover and high moisture limited fuel drying and kept fire behavior subdued. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) equipped with infrared sensors conducted a reconnaissance flight to identify remaining heat following the precipitation.

Incident operations personnel used the period of reduced fire activity to evaluate opportunities for a more proactive attack strategy in the coming days. Planning efforts are focused on increasing direct engagement where conditions allow, with an emphasis on protecting remaining unburned timber stands and limiting additional fire spread.

In preparation of this and future operations a new order is now in effect to expand the area, road and trail closure for National Forest System (NFS) lands surrounding the Whiskey Fire (03-03-04-26-21). The official orders and map can be viewed at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts/mountainair-ranger-district-whiskey-fire-closure-order-03-03-04-26-21 

The closure that is in effect for the Cerro & Blanco Fire (03-03-04-26-19) will be rescinded effective Sept 1, 2026.
Smoke may be visible from Belen, Bosque Farms, El Cerro Mission, Las Maravillas, Los Lunas, Manzano, Meadow Lake, Mountainair, Peralta, Rio Communities, Torreon, and Valencia.

Area, Road and Trail Closure Order in effect for National Forest System (NFS) lands surrounding the Whiskey Fire (03-03-04-26-18). Road closure barricades are on Trigo Springs Road for road improvement operations. Review the closure orders here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts .

Weather for Mountainair, NM (September 1, 2026) Warm conditions are expected around Mountainair today, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Scattered afternoon thunderstorms may produce cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty and erratic outflow winds, and locally heavy rainfall, creating the potential for rapid changes in fire behavior and localized flooding. Critical fire-weather conditions are not expected.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. In order to facilitate safe and efficient suppression efforts the public is asked to avoid the fire areas and adjoining trails.
Notice: Privately owned aircraft and 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!"

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.