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NM Forestry announces a lift on fire restrictions
Ground and air crews battle a lightning-caused wildfire in the Jicarilla Ranger District of Carson National Forest, east of Navajo Lake, in August.
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The New Mexico State Forestry Division has lifted fire restrictions for more than a dozen counties in New Mexico after a wildfire season that saw nearly 200,000 acres burned across the state.
On May 20, the Forestry Division banned fires for non-federal, non-tribal and non-municipal lands in New Mexico amid an increase in wildfires, according to a news release from the agency.
Those restrictions were lifted Friday. While Sierra County remains under a fire restriction, the county hopes to rescind it if the area receives enough rainfall throughout the weekend, according to Sierra County Emergency Management spokesperson Ryan Williams.
New Mexico has reported over 900 wildfires this year, with Catron, San Juan and Rio Arriba counties experiencing the majority of the fires. On June 17, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency declaration after the Trout and Buck fires burned roughly 100,000 acres in the Gila National Forest.
Humans accounted for 80% of wildfires in 2025, according to State Forestry spokesperson George Ducker.
"The top three ways humans cause wildfires in New Mexico include debris and open burning, campfires and outdoor recreation, and equipment use, including working outside with welding or cutting tools," Ducker said.
Recent monsoon rains, however, have helped ease wildfire threats across the state.
"Precipitation throughout the monsoon season has helped mitigate drought conditions," said State Forester Laura McCarthy. "However, the public should continue to take steps to prevent human-caused wildfires."
State officials have urged the public to use fire cautiously, and advised fire restrictions may be reinstated if fire dangers or other factors present a potential threat.
