On Wednesday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared drought and severe fire conditions statewide and directed state agencies to take coordinated action to ensure communities receive timely information, technical assistance and resources as needed.
New Mexico’s snowpack has fallen to a historic low while spring temperatures have climbed to record highs, creating a potentially dangerous combination that has produced record-low runoff and below-average river flows across the state.
“New Mexico is experiencing unprecedented drought and fire danger, and we must act decisively to safeguard our communities and water supplies,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “This executive order strengthens our statewide response and connects New Mexicans to the information and support they need.”
Wildfires in the state more than doubled during the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with crews battling 366 fires before May 1.
“Everyone should take drought conditions seriously and refrain from campfires and open burning. You can protect your home and loved ones by creating defensible space, removing dead leaves and grass and following state fire restrictions,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. “The state Forestry Division is responding to wildfires daily and providing timely and accurate information about wildfires as they occur.”
The Governor’s executive order urges counties, municipalities, and local governments to implement firework bans and water conservation measures. It also directs the New Mexico Drought Task Force to ensure communities receive available information and resources to prepare for and respond to drought conditions and conserve the state’s existing water supplies.
In tandem with the executive order, New Mexico launched a new drought information portal at Drought.nm.gov to help residents track evolving conditions. The website centralizes drought status updates, monitoring tools, and resources from state, federal, and local partners to aid the public, water system operators, and local decision-makers.s and decision-makers navigating ongoing water challenges.
“Drought touches every corner of New Mexico, from our farms and forests to our cities and tribal communities,” said Dr. Dave DuBois, state climatologist and chair of the Drought Monitoring Workgroup. “This website gives New Mexicans a clear, reliable place to find the information they need to understand what’s happening and plan accordingly.”
Read the full text of the executive order here.
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