Alamogordo NM
4-07-2026 5:32am

Statewide Fire Restrictions Enacted Across New Mexico Amid High Wildfire Risk

Alamogordo, NM (April 7, 2026) – New Mexico officials have implemented sweeping statewide fire restrictions effective Monday, April 6, 2026, in response to unseasonably hot, dry weather and elevated wildfire danger. The measures aim to prevent human-caused fires during what forecasters describe as a particularly risky early fire season.

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division, under State Forester Laura McCarthy, enacted the restrictions on all non-municipal, non-federal, and non-tribal lands. They will remain in effect until formally rescinded.

Prohibited activities include:

• Smoking (except in enclosed vehicles, buildings, or designated areas where exceptions apply)

• Fireworks of any kind

• Campfires

• Prescribed burns, open burning, agricultural burning, and debris burning

• Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production

Exceptions may be granted in specific cases or under certain conditions, and the state forester can approve additional requests submitted in writing. Residents and visitors should check the official Forestry Division page for detailed guidance on exceptions.

Officials emphasized that approximately 90% of wildfires in New Mexico are human-caused, making individual precautions critical for protecting communities, property, and natural resources. “Fire restrictions are about individual actions that protect our communities as a whole,” said EMNRD Acting Secretary Erin Taylor. State Forester McCarthy added that current conditions—low humidity, high winds, and abundant dry fuels—create an environment where fires can start and spread rapidly.

These statewide rules come as several federal and local areas had already moved to tighter restrictions. For example, the Santa Fe National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on April 2, 2026, limiting fires outside designated Forest Service rings or grills and restricting smoking in many outdoor areas. Other BLM lands and counties have also seen localized restrictions in recent weeks due to persistent dry conditions following a record-warm March and below-average snowpack.

In Otero County and the Alamogordo area, residents should remain especially vigilant. While the new statewide order applies broadly, local fire departments, Lincoln National Forest (which includes portions near Alamogordo), and Mescalero Apache lands may maintain or layer additional rules. The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions Dashboard provides real-time mapping of federal, state, and county restrictions (note that the map may not yet fully reflect the April 6 statewide update).

National Weather Service forecasts indicate continued warm and dry patterns into the coming weeks, with monsoon rains possibly arriving in July but not guaranteed to provide immediate widespread relief. High fire potential is expected to persist through at least April and May in much of the state.

What you can do:

• Use only approved propane stoves or heaters in cleared areas where permitted.

• Extinguish all smoking materials properly and dispose of them in closed containers.

• Avoid any outdoor burning activities.

• Check the latest updates before heading to public lands, campgrounds, or recreation areas.

• Report any smoke or suspicious fire activity immediately to local authorities or 911.

For the most current information, visit the New Mexico Forestry Division’s fire restrictions page at emnrd.nm.gov/sfd or the Southwest Area Fire Restrictions Dashboard. Local updates for Alamogordo and Otero County can also be found through Otero County Administration, KALH Radio, or 2nd Life Media.

Authorities urge all New Mexicans and visitors to comply fully—these restrictions are designed to keep everyone safe during a high-risk period. Stay informed and fire-safe.

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