Unified Fire Update - Valencia County - 3.25.26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: George Ducker
Prevention & Communications Manager
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Unified Fire (Valencia County) Update
March 25, 2026
Highlights : Fire suppression crews worked throughout the night to continue establishing containment lines on the Unified Fire which is still active within the bosque area south of Rio Communities. This morning at 0700 command of the fire transitioned to a Type- 3 Team led by New Mexico Forestry Division. No structures have been impacted by the fire. Evacuations and road closures have been lifted across the area and power has been re-energized. The fire is approximately 500 acres and is 0% contained.
Update : The Unified Fire held within its initial control lines from last night’s operational shift. Late afternoon winds caused spotting across the river and increased the fire’s perimeter. Night operations included using dozers and hand crews to establish line along the fire’s edges. Fire behavior this morning is creeping and smoldering and fire activity will be expected to increase as the day’s temperature warms.
The fire is divided into four divisions and a structure protection initial attack group. Hand crews, engines and water suppression resources will continue to employ full suppression actions today, including direct and indirect tactics. Today, they will work to hold and improve containment lines, while also searching for spot fires.
Evacuations were lifted and power restored in the area last night, and all roads remain open. Power may be de-energized today by PNM at the request of fire officials for the safety of response personnel and the public.
No structures have been impacted by the fire, although structures are still threatened. The public is encouraged to avoid the bosque and surrounding area so that first responders can continue engaging the fire.
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.
Evacuations / Closures : Evacuations have been lifted for all areas. All roads are open.
Shelters : Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen.
Weather : Currently 70 degrees F, 17% RH, north winds at 3 mph. Highs near 90. Calm wind becoming west 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
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 https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
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Acres : 500 estimated.
Containment : 0% 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 : Multiple structures threatened.
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, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Rio Rancho 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. Resources include 3 hand crews, 4 dozers, 5 water tenders, 15 type-6 engines. Total personnel: 150.
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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook page .
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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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1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
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