Nacimiento Wildfire Final Update

Wildfire is now 100% contained

This will be the final update provided for the Nacimiento Wildfire

Location: The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, south of New Mexico State Road 126 and the Nacimiento Mine 

Start Date: March 22, 2026

Size: 18 acres 

Containment: 100 % 

Cause: Under investigation 

Vegetation: Burning in oak, ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and Douglas fir.  

Resources: 60 personnel  

Highlights: Fire crews remain actively engaged using a direct extinguishment strategy on the 18‑acre wildfire. On Sunday, firefighters, supported by large airtankers dropping retardant, were able to stop the fire’s forward progress. Handlines, along with Forest Service Roads 533L and 533LD, served as key containment features, and all containment lines held the last two nights.

Resources remain on scene today conducting mop‑up operations. This means crews are extinguishing or removing burning material along the east and west flanks near the containment lines. Firefighters are also reinforcing roads and constructed line along the northern perimeter, tying these sections into existing Forest Service roads to further strengthen containment.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews fight the Nacimiento Wildfire. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire operations. If you fly, we can’t.   

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Cuba, N.M. and surrounding communities, and NM State Road 126. 

Fire Information:  

Contact Claudia Brookshire, Public Affairs Officer, Santa Fe National Forest  

Phone: 505-607-0879 (available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)  

Email: claudia.brookshire@usda.gov  

Links: Santa Fe National Forest website, New Mexico Fire Info, Inciweb, and Santa Fe National Forest social media (Facebook and X).