Wildfire Notification: Unified Fire (Valencia 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: Unified Fire (Valencia County)
March 24, 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 Unified Fire was discovered at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The fire is active and running through bosque fuels including grass, brush, and timber. Fire crews are employing a full suppression strategy during this initial attack response period.
Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding areas. State Highway 304 is closed at Sonnenburg Loop and Baca Road. Residents off Madrone Flyway and Lagrima Road near the river are currently being evacuated. Local residents should take caution and avoid the area. Currently, the Unified Fire is estimated at 125 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuations / Closures: State Highway 304 is closed at Sonnenburg Loop and Baca Road. Residents off Madrone Flyway and Lagrima Road near the river are currently being evacuated, per Valencia County.
Shelters: Evacuation shelters are available at 108 Rio Communities Blvd. in Rio Communities and Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen.
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 79 degrees F, 11% RH, southeast winds at 3 mph. This afternoon, highs near 89 degrees. NW wind around 5 mph. Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 45. NW wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
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Acres: 125 estimated.
Containment: 0% contained.
Start Date / Time: Approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23.
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, City of Rio Communities, NM State Police, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Rio Rancho FD, Town of Bernalillo, Cibola County, Town of Cochiti Lake. Resources include hand crews, dozers, water tenders, type-6 engines and structure engines. Total personnel: 100.
For fire updates, visit New Mexico Fire Information and the Forestry Division Facebook .
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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