Monsoon Storms Prompt Forest to Lift Fire Restrictions

  • Evidence of the week's powerful monsoon storms can be seen across western Cibola County. Floodwaters left debris along NM 53 near Zuni (top), while high winds snapped and toppled trees in the Zuni Mountains (bottom). The storms brought much-needed moisture to drought-stricken forests but also caused flooding, road damage and other impacts across the region. Diego opez - CC
    Evidence of the week's powerful monsoon storms can be seen across western Cibola County. Floodwaters left debris along NM 53 near Zuni (top), while high winds snapped and toppled trees in the Zuni Mountains (bottom). The storms brought much-needed moisture to drought-stricken forests but also caused flooding, road damage and other impacts across the region. Diego opez - CC

    Weeks of flooding and rainfall ease wildfire danger, but officials say fire season isn't over 

    CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Just days after repeated monsoon storms brought flash flooding, road damage and emergency declarations across western New Mexico, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will lift Stage II fire restrictions on the Mount Taylor and Magdalena ranger districts at noon Tuesday, July 28.

    The decision follows a dramatic shift in weather across Cibola County.

    Since mid-July, thunderstorms have triggered multiple Flood Watches and Flash Flood Warnings, damaged sections of NM 53 near Zuni, contributed to flooding that prompted a local emergency declaration at Zuni Pueblo, and disrupted water service in the Baca, Prewitt and Thoreau area.

    Forest officials said the recent rainfall, improved fuel moisture and additional precipitation in the forecast have reduced the risk of human-caused wildfires enough to ease restrictions.

    The change comes after firefighters responded to several lightning-caused fires on the Mount Taylor Ranger District earlier this month, underscoring that monsoon storms can both reduce wildfire danger and ignite new fires.

    Although campfire restrictions are being lifted, the Forest Service emphasized that fire season is not over. Fireworks remain prohibited on National Forest lands, and visitors are urged to fully extinguish campfires, properly dispose of cigarettes, avoid parking over dry vegetation and prevent trailer chains from dragging on roadways.

    Stage I fire restrictions remain in effect on the Mountainair, Sandia and Kiowa/Rita-Blanca ranger districts.