Unified Fire Final Update - 3.27.26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: George Ducker
Prevention & Communications Manager
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Unified Fire (Valencia County) Final Update
March 27, 2026
Highlights : Containment lines on the Unified Fire held up to tests from higher winds yesterday, raising containment to 50%. Today, fire crews will continue suppression activities as well as rehabilitation efforts within the affected area. This will be the final notification on the Unified Fire unless significant changes occur.
Update : Today, fire suppression crews will continue to search for interior heat to extinguish within the Unified Fire footprint and build depth to containment lines along the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to remove hazardous trees for the safety of firefighters and the public. Resource advisors are conducting surveys within the fire area and along the perimeter to assess for suppression repair needs. Weather forecasts predict increased east-southeast wind gusts of 25-40 mph and the potential for blowing dust. Threats to nearby homes have passed, however the public should continue to avoid the bosque area while crews continue suppression activities through the weekend
The Unified Fire was discovered at 10:49 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Weather : Currently 56 degrees F, 43% RH, north winds at 21 mph, gusts 28. Highs near 68 degrees. Breezy, with an east wind 15-25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. A High Wind Warning is in effect for today, until 9pm this evening. Tonight, lows around 35 degrees. East wind 15-25 mph becoming north 5-10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
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Acres : 300.
Containment : 50% contained.
Start Date / Time : 10:49 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
Fuels : Grass, brush, timber and timber understory.
Cause : Under investigation.
Location : Madrone, east of I-25, south of Rio Communities in Valencia County.
Ownership : State and private.
Structure Threat : Homes are no longer threatened.
Evacuations / Closures : No evacuations are in place. Previous evacuations have been lifted.
Resources : Forestry Division, Valencia County FD, Rio Communities FD, Belen FD, Northern Socorro FD, Peralta FD, Los Lunas FD, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County FD, Santa Fe FD, Cochiti FD, Town of Bernalillo, Cibola County, NM State Police, Valencia County Sheriff, Valencia County Office of Emergency Management, Rio Communities Police, NM Livestock Board, Valencia Animal Control. NM Gas, PNM, Socorro Electric. Total personnel: 150.
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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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