Sparks Fire - Quay County - Wildfire Notification
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 - Wildfire Notification
April 28, 2026
Update : The Sparks Fire was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 near HWY 156 in Quay County. Resources are on scene and attempting direct engagement using a full suppression strategy. The active fire is running, spotting and wind-driven, moving west to east through grass and piñon-juniper fuels. The area is remote and cell service is not readily available. Structures are threatened, and additional resources are arriving to engage. Currently, the fire is estimated at 1,500 acres.
Evacuations / Closures: None in place at this time, however, local residents should avoid the area of HWY 156 near mm 41 north of Hassell.
Weather : Currently 78 degrees F, 5% RH, west winds at 15-20 mph. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind 15-20 mph becoming northeast 5-10 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
##
Acres : 1,500 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 FD, Quay County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Cochiti FD, City of Santa Fe FD, Sandoval FD, Union FD, multiple VFD resources.
##
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
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list .
Click here to view this email in your browser .