Candy Kitchen Volunteer Fire Department

05/26/2026

Just a reminder that even though we got some much needed moisture yesterday, does not mean it is safe to burn!

We are still in a county wide burn ban due to the current severe drought conditions. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this time. Stay safe out there and stay vigilant. If you see concerning smoke please call it in and help us keep our community safe 🚫🔥

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Another day, another structure fire successfully contained and extinguished. Big thanks to Fence Lake Volunteer Fire Department for showing up to assist.

Remember if your wood stove has been sitting unused for a while to verify operating condition/use caution before use.

05/21/2026

New Mexico is in crisis-level drought due to a dangerous combination of record-low snowpack and record-high temps. That’s why I declared statewide drought and severe fire conditions this week. We’ve already had twice the wildfires this year compared to last — and we want to do everything we can to prevent more.

Avoid open burning. Build defensible space around your home.

Visit the Drought in New Mexico website for updates and resources, link in the first comment.

05/16/2026

🚩RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM MDT SUNDAY

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque NM has issued a Red Flag
Warning in effect from 10 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday.

* AFFECTED AREA...West Central Mountains (Zone 105).

* TIMING...From 10 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40
mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 8 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

🔥🚫 REMINDER: we are still in a County Wide Burn Ban

05/08/2026

With reports of campfires coming in, we want to remind everyone: Fire restrictions are in effect statewide. That means no burning on state and private lands.

No ...
→ Campfires
→ Fireworks
→ Smoking
→ Prescribed or debris burning
→ Oil and gas flaring .. on non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands.

We're seeing an active, early fire season statewide. Across New Mexico, fire starts and acreage burned are both more than double the five-year average.

We know from previous years: Fire restrictions work—but only when we all take them seriously. None of us are the exception to fire restrictions: We’re all capable of accidentally starting a wildfire. It’s on all of us to make small, temporary changes that will have a far-reaching, lasting impact.

Wondering what's allowed where? Visit our fire restrictions dashboard: www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions

05/08/2026

A reminder that fire can strike anywhere at anytime. This morning our crew responded to a fully engulfed structure fire here in Candy Kitchen.

Thankfully the property owner made fire wise efforts around his home to keep his trees trimmed and defensible space around structures clear which helped keep the fire from spreading and becoming an even worse situation. All persons made it out okay.

A big thanks to El Morro Valley VFD for responding and providing water and personnel support. El Morro valley Volunteer Fire Department Support Team

For resources on Firewise practices you can visit: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/protecting-your-home-from-wildfire/

Or https://firewise.org

05/01/2026

K9s Raya & Osa supervising some station cleaning and weeding today 🐾

CoOperation K9 Amanda Ballard