Wildfire Notification - Old 66 Fire (Quay County)
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
Wildfire Notification: Old 66 Fire (Quay County)
March 27, 2026
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.
Update : The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County. The fire is active and wind driven from the northeast and moving through grass. Structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-40 and the surrounding areas. State and local resources are engaging and utilizing full suppression tactics.
State Road 469 is closed at Main Ave. Local residents should take caution and avoid the area. Currently, the fire is estimated at 1,000-2,000 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuations / Closures : State Road 469 is closed at Main Ave.
Weather : Currently 56 degrees F, 24% RH, northeast winds at 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Tonight, cloudy with a low around 36 degrees F. East wind 10-15 mph becoming east 5-10 mph after midnight.
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Acres : 1,000-2,000 estimated.
Containment : 0% contained.
Start Date / Time : 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27
Fuels : Grass.
Cause : Under investigation.
Location : East of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.
Ownership : Private
Structure Threat : Structures impacted. Structures are threatened, including a wind farm to the southwest.
Resources : New Mexico Forestry Division; Nara Visa Volunteer Fire Department; Quay County Fire Districts 1, 2 and 3; San Jon VFD; Bard-Endee VFD; Porter FVD, Forrest VFD, New Mexico State Police.
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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.
Our mailing address is:
1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
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