This week, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives put out a press release after multiple improvised explosive and incendiary devices were discovered in the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. Multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras.
While we have seen other crazy stories like this in the past, think of the spike strips found in 2024 on the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon; however, this story from the Carson National Forest is very concerning.
The ATF is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who has information about these explosive and incendiary devices left near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station.
Forest Service law enforcement responded to each incident, 3 that are publicly known, and asked the ATF to assist in the investigations. In April and May, multiple devices were found, and a citizen found the most recent device on August 10th.
Here is the full press release from the ATF:
ATF offers reward following the recovery of destructive devices in New Mexico
ATF seeks public help following incidents in northern New Mexico: August 20th, 2026
SANTA FE, N.M.— The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the placement and/or use of suspected destructive devices in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. The items recovered in these incidents are more commonly referred to as improvised explosive or incendiary devices.
Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. On August 10, 2026, an additional device was turned in to the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, New Mexico by a concerned citizen who reported to have found it.
The U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement initially responded to each incident and requested further assistance from the ATF Phoenix Field Division. As a result, ATF Certified Explosives Specialists and Certified Fire Investigators collected evidence from the scenes which are now undergoing forensic examination at the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory. ATF is now the leading investigating law enforcement agency and continues to work alongside our local and federal law enforcement partners.
ATF reminds the public never to handle suspicious objects. Improvised explosive and incendiary devices can be extremely unstable and cause severe injury or property damage. Anyone who finds a suspicious item should immediately leave the area and call local law enforcement.
Anyone with information about these incidents should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com
I think it’s fair to say there is something wrong with members of our society, and it’s deeply concerning.
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