Sparks Fire - Quay County - Update 4/29/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: George Ducker
Communications Manager
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Contact: Emery Veilleux
Communications Coordinator
emery.veilleux@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-1172
Sparks Fire - Quay County - Update
April 29, 2026
Update : Last night, increased relative humidity and decreased fire activity aided response efforts on the Sparks Fire. Crews made good progress beginning to establish fireline around the perimeter. Threatened residences received structure protection throughout the night. The fire is zero percent contained.
Today, fire activity is minimal and exhibiting creeping and smoldering behavior. Crews will continue their full suppression strategy to secure the perimeter with the goal of increasing containment. Air attack is on scene to support operations. The fire’s acreage grew to an estimate of 10,000 acres after an initial flyover this morning. However, ground crews will conduct more accurate mapping with GPS as operations allow.
The Sparks Fire was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 near HWY 156 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Safety : The primary objective for the Sparks Fire is firefighter and public safety. Structures in the area remain threatened. The public should avoid the area of HWY 156 near milemaker 41 north of Hassell, due to ongoing fire operations.
Evacuations / Closures : None in place.
Weather : Currently 60 degrees F, 51% RH, east winds at 5-10 mph. Today sunny, highs near 76. South wind 5-10 mph. Tonight, a 20 percent chance of showers before midnight.
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Acres : 10,000 estimated.
Containment : 0% contained.
Start Date / Time : 3.20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.
Fuels : Grass, piñon-juniper.
Cause : Under investigation.
Location : HWY 156 mm41.
Ownership : Private.
Structure Threat : Multiple structures.
Resources : Forestry Division, Quay County Districts 1, 2, 3, 4; Quay County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Cochiti FD, City of Santa Fe FD, Sandoval FD, Multiple VFD including Valley, Forest Fire, Jordan, House, Grady, Broadview, Melrose, Tucumcari, Porter. Total Personnel: 95.
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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information .
Visit NM Fire Info
The Sparks Fire, Wednesday, April 29, looking west from the air. 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.
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1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
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