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Mar 28, 2026

Old 66 Fire (Quay County) Final Update

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

Old 66 Fire (Quay County) Final Update

March 28, 2026

Update : Fire response crews succeeded in stopping forward progression of the Old 66 Fire yesterday evening, and containment today is at 50%. The fire’s acreage is 4,111 acres after more accurate mapping.

Crews are engaged in mop-up actions on the north and southeast sides of the fire footprint and will work to extinguish interior heat. One structure was impacted by the fire, but the threat to structures has now passed for the area. Local residents should take caution and avoid the area as crews are still engaged in suppression activities. This will be the final notification on this incident unless there are significant changes.

The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Evacuations / Closures: Road closures have been lifted Friday evening at 6pm.

Weather : Currently 67 degrees F, 20% RH, southwest winds at 17 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Today, highs near 69. Southwest wind around 20 mph. Tonight, lows around 47. Southwest wind 15-20 mph.

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Acres : 4,111.

Containment : 50% contained.

Start Date / Time : 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27

Fuels : Grass.

Cause : Under investigation.

Location : East of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.

Ownership : Private

Structure Threat : One structure impacted. Threat has passed.

Resources : New Mexico Forestry Division; Nara Visa Volunteer Fire Department; Quay County Fire Districts 1, 2 and 3; San Jon VFD; Bard-Endee VFD; Porter FVD, Forrest VFD.

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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information .

Visit NM Fire Info

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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