March 25, 2026 
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.
##
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.
##
For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook page.
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.