Anton Chico Fire Dept.

09/25/2026

Anton Chico community our Chief has once again proved her commitment and dedication to the department and members of our community.

At our recent community meeting on September 23, 2026, we were joined by the Guadalupe EMS Director, who addressed important questions and concerns from residents. She stated that she tried her hardest to get the ambulance service started; however, they are currently unable to do so because a 24-hour response staff is required, which is not possible at this time. Additionally, she mentioned that they were under the impression there were no licensed individuals legally able to operate the rescue unit. She said that if we could provide proof of licensed personnel, she would personally drive the rescue unit back to our station today.

On behalf of the Anton Chico Fire Department it is with great honor that we announce the return of our rescue unit. With the support of our dedicated and capable community members, we look forward to accepting applications from volunteers who are willing to assist us in providing fire and rescue response services to our communities.

09/21/2026

09/20/2026

Anton Chico Community Members,

On behalf of the Anton Chico Fire Department we want to bring to your attention a serious concern regarding the removal of the rescue unit from our area. This decision was made by the Guadalupe County Commission and management.

Unfortunately, it has left our community without immediate medical assistance coverage. As a result, residents now face wait times exceeding an hour for critical medical care.

Although there were plans to station licensed EMTs to cover the area, this has not happened for approximately six months. This gap in emergency medical services is unacceptable. Every member of our community is valuable and deserve timely and effective medical care.

We are calling on all community members to come together for a discussion about this issue. Your feedback and involvement are essential as we work to find a solution that ensures our community is never left without the medical support it needs.

Please stay tuned for details on when and where this meeting will take place. Together, we can advocate for the care and protection our community deserves.

Thank you for your attention and support.

04/07/2026

For immediate release: State forester enacts statewide fire restrictions
Smoking, fireworks, campfires, open burning, gas flares are prohibited
___

Amid unseasonably hot weather and dry fuel conditions, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Forestry Division is enacting statewide fire restrictions in New Mexico to reduce the risk of wildfire starts.

These restrictions respond to persistent dry and warm conditions across the state: conditions heightened by low humidity, high winds and abundant dry fuels across our forests and grasslands.

The level of wildfire danger poses a threat to public safety, life, property and natural resources across New Mexico.

The state forester has placed the following restrictions – to remain in effect until rescinded – on non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands statewide:

→ Smoking
→ Fireworks
→ Campfires
→ Prescribed, open, agricultural and/or debris burning
→ Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production

Exceptions:

→ Exceptions are allowed for certain prohibited actions in specific cases or when specific conditions are met.
→ The state forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request.

“We’re already in a particularly high-risk period for above average fire potential, which is not expected to let up anytime soon,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. “Our current conditions are highly conducive to fires starting and spreading quickly. These restrictions are necessary to reduce that risk for the duration of this particularly hot, dry wildfire season.”

“Fire restrictions are about individual actions that protect our communities as a whole,” said EMNRD Acting Secretary Erin Taylor. “Nine out of 10 wildfires in the state are caused by humans, which means 9 out of 10 wildfires can be prevented. We’re asking that every resident and every visitor take extra precautions during a particularly risky wildfire season.”

For detailed descriptions of restrictions and for the full list of restrictions and exceptions, visit emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions

Full release at emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news

03/23/2026

A burn ban is in effect, effective immediately. All prescribed burns and open fires are prohibited until further notice. Violators of this ban will be subject to fines. NO PERMITS FOR BURNS WILL BE APPROVED!!!

Please help us keep the community safe by adhering to this ban.

Thank you for your cooperation.