Public Safety - Los Alamos Daily Post

McQuiston: Northern New Mexico 2026 Fire Season Outlook

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 24, 2026

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

If you’ve felt like winter never really showed up this year, you re not imagining it—and that’s exactly why fire officials are paying close attention right now.

A Season Starting Earlier Than Usual

In New Mexico, fire season typically runs from March through June, with the most dangerous window landing in April and May before the monsoon arrives.

This year, though, conditions are lining up for a season that started early and could run hotter than normal.

Across the Four Corners region, fire danger is already showing up

State Police Investigates OIS Involving U.S. Marshals Service

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 24, 2026

NMSP News:

DEMING – On April 23, 2026, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) were involved in an officer involved shooting incident while attempting to apprehend fugitives who were wanted on various child sex crimes. The fugitives, identified as Joseph McDowell (44), and Cassondra Sauber (42) were wanted on nationwide extradition warrants.

McDowell was wanted on the following: Read More

Consumer Drones Are Keeping Firefighters Grounded

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 24, 2026

While unauthorized drones in restricted airspace can halt firefighting air operations, the Forest Service is increasingly incorporating uncrewed aerial systems in wildfire operations. From 2019 to 2025 the Forest Service has increased drone flights by 2,483% on active incidents. Forest Service photo by Dirk Giles

USFS News:

Drones, also referred to as uncrewed aerial systems or UAS, have been increasingly complicating airspace around wildfires since the first consumer models came to market in 2013.

These mechanical critters of the sky are a nuisance to wildland firefighting when they Read More

Texas Woman Sentenced For Fentanyl Distribution In Southern New Mexico

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 24, 2026

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Texas woman has been sentenced for her role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl into southern New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between Jan. 24, 2024, and Feb. 7, 2025, Mayra Mendivil, 37, participated in a drug trafficking organization operating between Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and southern New Mexico. During the investigation, Mendivil coordinated and completed multiple controlled sales of fentanyl to an undercover agent.

Specifically, on Jan. 24, 2024, Mendivil sold approximately Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Man Charged With Aiming Laser At Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter And Striking Cockpit Over A Dozen Times

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 23, 2026

Still image from the recording from inside the helicopter at the time of the drone strike. If convicted, Jorge Pinon Armendariz faces up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is facing federal charges after allegedly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times.

According to public court documents, on Oct. 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, 47, directed a green laser at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was assisting Read More