State wildland fire equipment stolen from Forestry Division facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: George Ducker
Communications & Public Information Specialist
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
June 27, 2025
State wildland fire equipment stolen from Forestry Division facility
New Mexico State Police seek public’s help
SANTA FE – Today, New Mexico State Police issued a release seeking the public’s help locating wildland firefighting equipment, valued at over $180,000 that was stolen from the Forestry Division’s Wildfire Response Program office on Richards Avenue in Santa Fe.
The theft occurred June 7-8, at the facility. Missing items include a red Kubota tractor, a black open utility trailer, two white utility box trailers, and a "Camp-In-A-Box," which contains necessary equipment for setting up overnight camps during wildland fire incidents. The equipment and tractor were stored in two trailers, which were stolen from the property.
The stolen equipment includes critical wildfire incident response equipment, personal protective equipment, and the tractor used to dig fireline.
“It's heartbreaking to see all the hard work that our firefighters accomplished to source and purchase this equipment gone in the blink of an eye," said Laura McCarthy, State Forester. "Whoever is responsible for this should know that their actions directly hinder our Division's ability to respond to wildfires and thus, are putting the public at greater risk in the future."
The theft comes as Forestry Division firefighters and staff are actively engaged in suppression on wildfires statewide, including the destructive Desert Willow Complex fire in Los Lunas.
Forestry Division is reviewing internal security measures on the property and working in full cooperation with New Mexico State Police, which is leading the investigation and recovery efforts.
Public assistance needed:
Anyone with information regarding this theft is encouraged to contact Agent Edward Quintana with NM State Police at 505-425-6771.
“This isn’t just a state property theft issue, this is a public safety issue,” said Steven Griego , Wildfire Response Program Supervisor. “June is peak fire season in New Mexico, and this essential equipment is necessary for the state to manage fires during an extended attack period.”
The New Mexico Forestry Division is responsible for wildland fire suppression and response across 43 million acres of state and private land, while collaborating with local, federal and Tribal fire response agencies during emergency incidents.
Link to this press release available here .
A red Kubota tractor and a black open utility trailer were some of the items reported stolen.
Above: supplies for a "Camp-in-the-Box" along with license plate identification for the two trailers stolen.
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