Line Fire, Mimms Fire - Quay County - Update 5.16.26
Line Fire, Mimms Fire updates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emery Veilleux
Communications Coordinator
emery.veilleux@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-1172
Contact: George Ducker
Communications Manager
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Line Fire / Mimms Fire
Quay County - Update
May 16, 2026
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfire activity on the Line Fire and the Mimms Fire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.
Line Fire – Quay County – Final Update
Yesterday, good work from response crews kept the Line Fire within its footprint and allowed firefighters to establish line around the entire right flank. These lines held under hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the day, raising containment to 90%. Over the coming days, resources will continue to secure the remainder of the fire’s edge until the incident is fully contained and out. The fire’s size is now estimated at 30,144 acres. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes.
The Line Fire was discovered at 6:14 p.m. Thursday, May 14 near HWY 54 south of Nara Visa in Quay County.
Acres : 30,144 acres estimated.
Containment : 90% contained.
Start Date / Time : 6:14 p.m. on Thursday, May 14
Fuels : Grass.
Cause : Lightning.
Location : HWY 54 south of Nara Visa in Quay County.
Ownership : State and private in New Mexico and Texas.
Structure Threat: None at this time.
Evacuations / Closures : None at this time.
Weather : Today sunny, with highs near 95. Patchy smoke after noon. North wind 5-10 mph becoming south 15-20 mph in the afternoon. Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. this evening.
Resources : Forestry Division, Quay County, local volunteer fire department resources. Six type-6 engines, one fixed-wing aircraft.
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Mimms Fire – Quay County
Yesterday, response crews and air resources on the Mimms fire were able to establish and hold fireline around the western edge, raising containment to 20%. Fire behavior remained active in the interior, producing a slop over that was caught on the north side. Spot fires were seen up to three-quarters of a mile ahead of the fire front.
Today’s objectives include holding and improving line to keep the fire within in its footprint, while working to extinguish heat along the flanks and the head. Crews and heavy equipment will cut grader and dozer line on the east and west flanks, while keeping their focus on the fire’s eastern edge. The Sparks fire burn scar to the southwest will be used a containment feature if necessary. Aviation resources have been requested.
Acres : 4,000 estimated.
Containment : 20% contained.
Start Date / Time : 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14
Fuels : Grass, pinon/juniper
Cause : Lightning.
Location : North of HWY 156, northwest of Jordan, east of Sparks Fire footprint.
Ownership : Private.
Threats : Structure threat has passed.
Weather : Today sunny, with highs near 95. Patchy smoke after noon. North wind 5-10 mph becoming south 15-20 mph in the afternoon. Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. this evening.
Resources : NM Forestry Division, Oregon Department of Forestry, local volunteer fire departments, NM Department of Transportation. Total personnel: 68.
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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information .
Visit NM Fire Info
The Mimms Fire as seen from the air May 15, 2026. Credit: NM Forestry Division
Health and safety
Smoke : Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking portal and zoom in on the latest smoke conditions on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map .
Safety : The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website . The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is available via Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition .
This ListServ is a service of the New Mexico Forestry Division . The information provided on this e-mail alert focuses on wildfires on state and private land and fires within the jurisdiction of the Forestry Division. This email alert is presented for information purposes only. Residents near the fire are urged not to travel into that area for their own safety and the safety of emergency responders.
For information on wildfire prevention and preparedness, click here .
Connect with the Forestry Division
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department - Forestry Division retains lead responsibility for wildland fire management on all non-federal, non-Tribal, and non-municipal lands. The Division promotes healthy, sustainable forests and watersheds in New Mexico for the benefit of current and future generations.
Our mailing address is:
1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
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