Red Flag Warning Issued for Torrance County and Mountainair on Saturday

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, affecting large portions of eastern New Mexico, including Torrance County and the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. The warning is due to strong west winds, low humidity, and above-average temperatures that create dangerous fire weather conditions.

The NWS expects winds to reach sustained speeds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Humidity levels will drop between 7 and 15 percent. These factors, along with dry fuels and unseasonably warm temperatures, will create a high risk for fast-moving wildfires. The most critical conditions will occur across the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and throughout the Central and East Central Plains.

For residents of Mountainair and the broader Estancia Valley, Saturday’s conditions will require heightened awareness. The Red Flag Warning means that fires that start could spread quickly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning should be avoided entirely, and even routine activities that could produce sparks—such as welding or operating heavy machinery—should be postponed.

The fire danger is being driven by a storm system moving across the central Rockies, which is pulling strong west winds across the state. The weather pattern will ease somewhat Saturday evening, as winds die down and humidity levels begin to rise.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent wildfires. Stay updated by monitoring forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Albuquerque office, and sign up for emergency alerts through Torrance County’s Department of Emergency Management Code Red system.