Non-Local News Releases

August 28th Update on
Whiskey/Blanco/Cerro Wildfires

Manzano Mountains - Mountainair Ranger District 

Mountainair, NM – August 28, 2026 — More resources have arrived and are actively engaged on suppression efforts for three wildfires burning within the Manzano Mountains of the Mountainair Ranger District. This will be the final update for the Blanco and Cerro Fires unless changing conditions warrant additional information.

Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness: Whiskey Fire (Update)

Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.                           

Cause: Lightning.  Size: 181 acres     Containment:0%      Personnel: 133

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

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. — The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday sued New Mexico's Higher Education Department, challenging a 2005 state law that grants in-state tuition and financial aid to students regardless of immigration status. The suit, filed alongside similar complaints against Arizona, Oregon and Washington, argues the policy discriminates against U.S. citizens who don't qualify for the same reduced rates. Senator Crystal Brantley (R-District 35) released the following statement:

"New Mexico has looked the other way on this loophole for years despite Republican outcry. I'm glad the USDOJ didn't. This isn't about shutting the door on opportunity. It's about fairness, accountability, and putting New Mexico students first. Our taxpayers deserve that. And our students certainly do."

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Whip Alan Martinez (R-Rio Rancho) has formally filed an ethics complaint with legislative leadership over Rep. Andrea Romero's (D-Santa Fe) employment with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office while simultaneously serving as a member of the New Mexico Legislature.

The complaint raises potential violations of NMSA §§ 2-1-3, 2-1-4 and 2-1-5, which address compensation involving legislators and state employment and carry felony penalties for violations.

A member of the public has also filed a separate complaint with the State Ethics Commission regarding Romero's state employment.

Dates Extended for Stage I Fire Restrictions

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

MAP BELOW

(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.

Free digital experience gives visitors a new way to celebrate their adventures while exploring America's national forests and grasslands. 

Washington, D.C. August 27, 2026 – The U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation announced the launch of the National Forests and Grasslands Passport, a free digital experience designed to inspire visitors to discover more of America's national forests and grasslands while earning commemorative digital badges along the way. 

Available through the OuterSpatial mobile app, the National Forests and Grasslands Passport transforms every visit into a rewarding experience, allowing visitors to check in and earn exclusive digital badges for each national forest and national grassland they explore. 

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong (R- Magdalena) is calling on Rep. Joseph Hernandez (D- Shiprock) to resign from the Legislature following troubling revelations about his conduct at a Chicago hotel and new questions surrounding his campaign finances.

Reports indicate Hernandez was found naked and running through a Chicago hotel, banging on guests' doors before being escorted from the property by police. Democratic leadership remained largely silent as details emerged.

"Representative Hernandez's behavior was unacceptable, but the silence from Democratic leadership is just as troubling," Armstrong said. "Instead of demanding accountability, they tried to minimize the situation and move on."

SANTA FE, NM – House Republican Whip Alan Martinez (R- Rio Rancho) is calling on Attorney General Raúl Torrez to immediately investigate whether Rep. Andrea Romero (D- Santa Fe) violated state law by accepting a state-funded position while serving in the New Mexico Legislature.

Romero was hired on May 23, 2026, as an Assistant Trial Attorney while serving as a sitting legislator. New Mexico law prohibits legislators from receiving compensation as state officers or employees, with potential violations carrying felony penalties.