Flames burn through piñon-juniper and grass on the Four Mile Fire in the northwest Zuni Mountains on Aug. 10. The six-acre fire was actively spotting and moving southeast as ground and aerial crews worked to establish control lines. No communities were threatened and no evacuations were in effect. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

For the week ending October 20, 2025, most of Cibola County saw little to no measurable rainfall, with values generally below 0.1 inch according to Drought.gov. The light yellow shading around El Malpais and Grants indicates dry conditions following earlier October storms. Data from UC Merced/Drought.gov, retrieved October 24, 2025.

A Grants Fire & Rescue ladder truck rolls through a local parade, showcasing the department’s emergency response capabilities. As drought conditions heighten fire risks in Cibola County, local fire departments are emphasizing preparedness, interagency cooperation, and community fire safety measures as a shortage of volunteer firefighters grows in the area. Courtesy of GFR