Tusas Fire - San Miguel County - 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
Tusas Fire - San Miguel County - Update
April 23, 2026
Update: Yesterday, a New Mexico Forestry Division Type-3 ad-hoc team assumed command of the Tusas Fire at approximately 6 p.m. Crews worked overnight on initial attack and structure protection. Fire activity was steady through the night but moderated slightly this morning.
Today, crews are working to establish containment lines along the flanks. State, local and federal fire crews and aviation resources are engaging with full suppression tactics. No structures have been impacted, but multiple structures are still threatened and evacuations are in place.
The Tusas Fire was discovered Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m. near NM 266 west of Sapello in San Miguel County. Currently, the fire is estimated at 150 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuations / Closures: Residents of NM 266 between mile markers 3-6 have been evacuated; residents between mile marker 3 and State Highway 94 are on Set status; residents on County Road A4A to Highway 94 are on Ready status. NM 266 to County Road A3
Shelters: Abe Montoya Rec Center will be open in case of further evacuations. 1751 N. Grand Ave., Las Vegas, NM.
Flight Restriction: A temporary flight restriction is in place to keep airways clear for responding aircraft. No drones or aircraft will be allowed to fly in the area. Flying will force air resources to be grounded immediately. If you fly, they can’t.
Weather: Currently 61 degrees F, 11% RH, southwest winds at 24 mph with gusts to 39 mph. Today, mostly sunny with a high near 66; windy, with a west wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph. A Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning are in effect for the area until 8 p.m.
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Acres: 150 estimated.
Containment: 0% contained.
Start Date / Time: Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
Fuels: Timber, piñon-juniper, grass.
Cause: Under investigation.
Location: Las Tusas, west of Sapello in San Miguel County, NM 266, mile marker 2.5.
Ownership: Private.
Structure Threat: Threatened homes evacuated, multiple structures in Ready and Set status.
Resources: Forestry Division; volunteer fire department resources from San Miguel, Gallinas, Spaello and Sheridan; multiple Type-6 engines; Carson IHC hand crew; Rio Grande IHC hand crew; Mimbres hand crew; Pecos River hand crew; Wildfire Response Program; multiple air resources. Total personnel: 130.
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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.
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1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
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