Fire

Los Alamos County Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions April 28

by

COUNTY News:

Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has enacted fire restrictions to Stage 1, effective today, April 28, within the boundaries of Los Alamos County to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, and natural and historical artifacts. 

Under the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Order 2026-01, stringent restrictions and conditions are imposed as follows: 

  1. Building, maintaining, and use of outdoor fires, including campfires and recreational fires of any
Read More

Lost Goats Returned After Escaping During Tusas Fire

by

Crew members return the last missing goat, Penny, to a landowner in Las Tusas, NM. Courtesy/NMFD

NMFD News:

The Tusas Fire started at approximately 4 p.m., April 22, 2026. When the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire, their focus was on suppressing the fire, protecting property, and evacuating residents whose lives might be in danger.  

They were presented with a challenge when it was discovered that a local resident’s goats had escaped and were lost somewhere within the fire perimeter. 

Some of the Command Staff of the Northern New Mexico Type 3 Team were Read More

Wildfire Season Is Coming … Make Sure To Be READY!

by

COUNTY News:

Help prevent wildfires and be prepared, just in case, by taking a few essential steps at home:

          • Sign up for emergency alerts by texting LOSALAMOS to 888777
          • Dispose of extra combustible materials at home
          • Clear a defensible space around your home
          • Create your family emergency plan
          • Build a 72-hour Go Kit

Stay safe and get READY by signing up for emergency alerts in Los Alamos County: Click here. Read More

Update: Tusas Fire In San Miguel County April 25, 2026

by

NMFD News:

Highlights: Friday, fire crews made good progress completing handline around the perimeter of the Tusas Fire, helping to raise containment to 39%. Road closures and Ready, Set, Go statuses have been lifted but the public should proceed with caution, as firefighting operations continue on NM 266 and the surrounding area.

Operations: Today, fire crews will focus their efforts on mop-up, which means extinguishing or removing burning material near firelines. Hot spots are still active within the interior, and smoke may be visible. 

Resources will evaluate suppression Read More

Los Alamos Firefighters Assisting With Riverside Fire In Española

by

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) crews responded to assist with firefighting efforts for the Riverside Fire in Española, which began Friday evening, April 24, 2026.

As of 9 a.m. today, April 25, the fire was estimated at 100 acres, and firefighting efforts are ongoing.

Reports came in shortly before 9 p.m. that firefighters were responding to a large brush fire in the area of N. Riverside Drive and W. Pueblo. LAFD responded with two crews and two brush trucks, working into the early morning hours. Crews made good progress and will continue firefighting efforts while closely Read More

Tusas Fire Update: April 24, 2026

by

NMFD News:

Highlights: Thursday, fire crews used a bulldozer to construct new fireline and continued strengthening existing lines to reduce the potential for spot fires within the Tusas Fire perimeter.

The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management team, led by Incident Commander Steven Griego, took command of the fire on Friday, April 24, from the New Mexico Forestry Division ad-hoc incident management team. Road closures in the area are still in effect; however, residents of NM 266 are allowed to return. Previous evacuation zones have all been downgraded to Ready status, including Read More

McQuiston: Northern New Mexico 2026 Fire Season Outlook

by

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
If you’ve felt like winter never really showed up this year, you re not imagining it—and that’s exactly why fire officials are paying close attention right now.
A Season Starting Earlier Than Usual
In New Mexico, fire season typically runs from March through June, with the most dangerous window landing in April and May before the monsoon arrives. 
This year, though, conditions are lining up for a season that started early and could run hotter than normal.
Across the Four Corners region, fire danger is already showing up 
Read More

Consumer Drones Are Keeping Firefighters Grounded

by

While unauthorized drones in restricted airspace can halt firefighting air operations, the Forest Service is increasingly incorporating uncrewed aerial systems in wildfire operations. From 2019 to 2025 the Forest Service has increased drone flights by 2,483% on active incidents. Forest Service photo by Dirk Giles

USFS News:

Drones, also referred to as uncrewed aerial systems or UAS, have been increasingly complicating airspace around wildfires since the first consumer models came to market in 2013.

These mechanical critters of the sky are a nuisance to wildland firefighting when they Read More

Traffic Alert: NM 4 Closed In Both Ways Due To Rollover

by

LAPD Traffic Alert:

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) reports that a stretch of N.M. 4 is closed in both directions due to a rollover accident on N.M. 4 at mile marker 49 – approximately one mile west of Bandelier National Monument.

Injuries in this accident are unknown, but Los Alamos Fire Department personnel are at the scene using the jaws of life to remove the driver.

Motorists should avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Read More