Non-Local News Releases

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico. 

Update: The Unified Fire was discovered at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The fire is active and running through bosque fuels including grass, brush, and timber. Fire crews are employing a full suppression strategy during this initial attack response period. 

Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding areas. State Highway 304 is closed at Sonnenburg Loop and Baca Road. Residents off Madrone Flyway and Lagrima Road near the river are currently being evacuated. Local residents should take caution and avoid the area. Currently, the Unified Fire is estimated at 125 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

By Lora Hines

BCBSNM Senior Communications Consultant

Large swaths of New Mexico, the fifth largest state in the country, have limited health care access because of persistent shortages of health care professionals.  

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico partnered with the New Mexico Medical Society to award $500,000 in grants to help 10 independent medical practices recruit doctors and improve care access to residents statewide.

The practices have used the grants to attract needed care providers — including nephrologists, maternal and fetal medicine specialists and gastroenterologists — with signing bonuses, salary support and reimbursement for moving costs. 

"Recruiting and retaining talented physicians is one of the most pressing challenges facing New Mexico's health care system," says Dr. Brian Etheridge, BCBSNM's chief medical officer for Medicaid. "By investing in immediate recruitment needs and long-term workforce development, we're helping to ensure that families in every corner of the state have access to the care they deserve."

LAS CRUCES — James C. Flowers, 110, of Las Cruces was awarded the New Mexico Medal of Merit at his home on March 20 in recognition of a lifetime of service, sacrifice and dedication to his country.

Brigadier General Retired Jamison Herrera, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services, presented the award on behalf of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Flowers served during World War II from 1940 to 1945 as a first lieutenant and pilot with the 99th Fighter Squadron, part of the 332nd Fighter Group, known as the historic Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, helping break racial barriers and pave the way for future generations of service members.

SANTA FE — Thirty fire departments across New Mexico will receive a combined $1.6 million in state grants to purchase protective gear and life-saving equipment, the Department of Finance and Administration announced today. 

The grants will fund high-priority equipment for new hires, including self-contained breathing apparatuses, firefighter turnout coats and pants, helmets, face shields, safety goggles, and other specialized protective equipment. 

In 2024, DFA funded 190 new firefighter and EMS positions statewide. Local communities, especially rural and remote areas, have long struggled with fire and emergency medical responses due to extended response times, large coverage areas, and a shortage of first responders. 

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for May 20, 2026, to offer 74 oil and gas parcels totaling 33,530 acres in New Mexico and Texas. 

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in December 2025 and held a public comment period that closed in February 2026 on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. A 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input opened today and will close April 20, 2026. 

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. 

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-10 Bridge Deck Repairs, Mile Marker 102 to 105, Deming/AkelaHW2M700118

SANTA FE – With New Mexico entering what state officials are calling an exceptionally dry fire season, the state Forestry Division is urging homeowners to take steps to protect their properties and their insurance coverage before fire season peaks this summer. 

An historically low winter snowpack is creating dangerous conditions across the state, with dry grass fuels building in the eastern plains and heavy tree fuels accumulating in forested areas. 

"We're heading into an exceptionally warm and dry wildfire season," said EMNRD Acting Secretary Erin Taylor. "These extreme conditions call for extra precautions. We need everyone to take action to prevent wildfires from impacting their communities."

NM Department of Wildlife stocking the pond with rainbow trout

PORTALES, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks will host an annual fishing derby at Oasis State Park on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The event is held in partnership with the Oasis State Parks Friends' Group and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, which will stock the park pond with 800 rainbow trout measuring approximately 10 inches, to create a high-quality fishing opportunity for anglers.

"For many families, this could be the moment a child catches their very first fish," saidToby Velásquez, State Parks division director. "Experiences like that stay with people for a lifetime, and partnerships like this help us make long-lasting memories possible in state parks."