Magdalena Ranger District

(Albuquerque, NM – May 19, 2026) - The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has terminated the area closure order (03-03-05-26-07) for the Six Mile Fire on the Magdalena Ranger District as of 8:00 a.m. May 19, 2026.

The purpose of this area closure implemented on May 11th was for the protection of health and safety for the public and firefighters during the fire suppression and emergency operations in the surrounding area. The trails described in the closure order are now open for visitor use.

Fire crews will continue to monitor and secure areas of the Six Mile Fire.

Be bear aware: Department advises public to stay safe in bear country

SANTA FE – As the weather warms, New Mexicans are going back outside — and bears are becoming more active.

If you're planning a camping or hiking trip in bear country, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife urges the public to "stay bear aware" while they're in the woods. It should be noted that bears are typically afraid of humans and will mostly keep their distance unless provoked. However, if they become accustomed to eating garbage or food scraps left behind, a dangerous encounter may be more likely.

Santa Fe, NM — NM Senate Republican Leaders praised the United States Senate for confirming former Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Across New Mexico, the BLM manages approximately 13.5 million acres of federal land, much of it concentrated in the oil and gas regions of southeastern and northwestern New Mexico but also encompassing vast grazing ranges and recreation areas like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

"We are grateful to President Trump for appointing New Mexico's own Steve Pearce to this important position," said Senate Minority Floor Leader Bill Sharer, "and we commend the US Senate for confirming Congressman Pearce to his new role as Director of the BLM!"

State agencies centralize resources, updates and response guidance

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ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexicans now have a single, state-run website with up-to-date information about New World screwworm, including how to identify infestations, protect people and animals, and report suspected cases.

New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest open wounds and feed on living tissue, causing rapid, often fatal damage if untreated. It primarily affects livestock and wildlife but can also affect pets and, in rare cases, humans.

Mimms Fire
Quay County - Final Update

May 17, 2026

Update: Fire activity continued on the Mimms Fire yesterday, but good work from ground resources and air support helped to fortify line and increase containment around the southern edge. Today, the fire's containment percentage has grown to 40%, and its estimated acres have also increased to 7,093. Firefighters will continue to improve line on the east edge of the fire and extinguish heat around the perimeter. Air resources will be available to support with retardant drops if necessary. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes.

Acres: 7,093 estimated.

Containment: 40% contained.

Final update unless significant activity occurs
Six Mile Fire Morning Update for May 17, 2026

Fire Information Phone: 575-210-8631 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Acres: 341
Start Date: May 8, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Containment: 87%
Personnel: 128
Fuels: Short Grass, brush, oak and pinyon/juniper

Location: 12 miles SE of Magdalena, NM.

See map attached.

Operations: Firefighters made significant progress on the Six Mile Fire yesterday, and fire management has determined the incident will transition back to the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands on Monday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m.

Line Fire / Mimms Fire
Quay County - Update

May 16, 2026 

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfire activity on the Line Fire and the Mimms Fire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico. 

Line Fire – Quay County – Final Update

Yesterday, good work from response crews kept the Line Fire within its footprint and allowed firefighters to establish line around the entire right flank. These lines held under hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the day, raising containment to 90%.  Over the coming days, resources will continue to secure the remainder of the fire's edge until the incident is fully contained and out. The fire's size is now estimated at 30,144 acres. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes.