Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday declared drought and severe fire conditions statewide, citing worsening water shortages, historically low snowpack and a sharp increase in wildfire activity across New Mexico.
The executive order directs state agencies to coordinate efforts to provide communities with drought information, technical assistance and resources as conditions worsen heading into summer.
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According to the governor’s office, New Mexico’s snowpack sits at historic lows while spring temperatures have reached record highs. Officials said the combination has led to record low runoff and below-average river flows throughout the state.
“New Mexico is experiencing unprecedented drought and fire danger, and we must act decisively to safeguard our communities and water supplies,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “This executive order strengthens our statewide response and connects New Mexicans to the information and support they need.”
State officials said New Mexico recorded 366 wildfires during the first four months of 2026 — roughly double the number reported during the same period last year.
State Forester Laura McCarthy urged residents to avoid activities that could spark fires.
“Everyone should take drought conditions seriously and refrain from campfires and open burning,” McCarthy said in a statement. “You can protect your home and loved ones by creating defensible space, removing dead leaves and grass and following state fire restrictions.”
The executive order encourages counties, municipalities and other local governments to implement fireworks bans and water conservation measures.
It also directs the New Mexico Drought Task Force to help communities access information and resources related to drought preparation, wildfire response and water conservation.
State officials also announced the launch of a new drought information website, drought.nm.gov, which will centralize drought monitoring information and resources from state, federal and local agencies.
“Drought touches every corner of New Mexico, from our farms and forests to our cities and tribal communities,” State Climatologist Dave DuBois said in a statement. “This website gives New Mexicans a clear, reliable place to find the information they need to understand what’s happening and plan accordingly.”