ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The U.S. Forest Service has lifted fire restrictions in the Mountainair and Sandia ranger districts as of Monday, July 21, citing reduced wildfire risk. Visitors to these areas are now allowed to build fires, but officials remind the public to never leave a fire unattended and to ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving.
Fire restrictions remain in place in the Mount Taylor and Magdalena ranger districts, where conditions still pose a threat. Restrictions fall under three categories:
- Stage 1: No open fires, including campfires and charcoal, except in designated recreation sites. Gas stoves are allowed.
- Stage 2: Includes Stage 1 rules plus bans on welding, open-flame torches, and certain motorized vehicles on forest roads.
- Stage 3: Full forest closure due to extreme fire danger.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and will update restrictions as needed.
