Fire

NMSP: Burglary Probe In 2024 Ruidoso Fires Nets Arrest

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NMSP News:

RUIDOSO — During the 2024 Ruidoso fires, agents with the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Crime Suppression Bureau (CSB) assisted NMSP uniform personnel with evacuations, roadblocks, and other assigned public safety missions in the affected area.

While operating in Ruidoso, CSB agents encountered a burglary in progress at Johnston Jewelry, at 1304 Sudderth Drive. The business exhibited clear signs of forced entry, including a broken window and damaged display cases.

While on scene, CSB agents observed multiple items of evidentiary value inside the business, including the hammer Read More

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office In Mora Reopens After Power Outage Closure

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CLAIMS OFFICE News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office reopened Tuesday after closing Monday because of an area-wide power outage.

Power was restored Monday afternoon after being out most of the day in Pecos and much of Mora and San Miguel counties.

The helpline is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Thursday. The public is encouraged to leave a voice message on the helpline any time at 505.995.7133 and the calls will be returned during regular business hours.

The Claims Offices’ regular hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Thursday and for appointments only Read More

SFNF: Pile Burning Planned For Week Of Jan. 5 

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SFNF News:

          • Hazardous fuels reduction work continues through the winter 

SANTA FE—The National Weather Service has forecast snow and precipitation across the Santa Fe National Forest beginning Thursday, Jan. 8, potentially creating favorable conditions for implementing pile burns in some districts. 

Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals. Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. Read More

Meet & Greet Los Alamos Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg Jan. 7

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Los Alamos County Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg

COUNTY News:

The community is invited to attend a meet and greet with newly appointed Los Alamos County Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Ave.

The Los Alamos County Council unanimously affirmed the appointment of Litzenberg as the new fire chief during its regular session on Dec. 16, 2025, following a nationwide search that began in fall 2025. He brings more than 28 years of experience, technical expertise, and leadership to the position, including many years of service in the local region. Read More

SFNF Issues Pile Burn Update

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Ignitions on Tesuque piles in the Española Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Recent winter weather created favorable conditions to implement pile burns across the forest. Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, Read More

Public Safety Moment: Slow Down Especially In Ice & Snow!

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COUNTY News:

Despite Thursday morning’s weather and hazardous road conditions, Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) officers conducted 20 traffic stops and issued nearly 30 citations, most of them for speeding.

Several drivers were cited for traveling more than 26 miles per hour – or more – over the posted speed limit.

Excessive speeding on wet or icy roads is extremely dangerous. LAPD reminds all drivers to slow down and exercise caution during their commutes—no matter the weather or road conditions.

Also, when seeing emergency vehicle lights and hearing sirens, pull over!

Emergency crews Read More

Los Alamos Fire Department Advises Community Portable Propane Fire Pits Are Prohibited At Holiday Lights Parade

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LAFD News:

To keep the community safe, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) advises that portable propane fire pits at the Dec. 6 Holiday Lights Parade on Central Avenue are prohibited.

Large crowds, tight spaces, and the presence of parade vehicles and floats create conditions where open flames and fuel sources are hazardous.

This measure is supported by Chapter 22-31(a)(1) of the Los Alamos County Code, which adopts the International Fire Code and places certain restrictions on the use of liquid propane at special events.

“We’re excited to welcome the community to one of Los Alamos’ most Read More

Valles Caldera Winter Prescribed Burns Likely Tuesday

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VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The National Park Service is set to begin winter pile burning operations within the San Antonio Mountain project area of Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning on or shortly after Tuesday, Dec. 2.

If conditions are not favorable to begin burning in San Antonio, the team will switch to burning piles on either South Mountain or Cerro Piñon. The area around the burn activities will be closed to public access until operations are completed.

Fire updates will be posted on the Current Conditions page of the park’s website, the park’s Facebook page, and the New Mexico Read More

SFNF Pile Burns: Española, Jemez & Cuba Ranger Districts

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SFNF plans prescribed pile burns in the Española, Jemez, and Cuba Ranger Districts, as early as the week of Dec. 1. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is planning prescribed pile burns in the Española, Jemez, and Cuba Ranger Districts, as early as the week of Dec. 1.

SFNF estimates this work to continue through the winter as weather conditions allow. Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, Read More