Unified Fire (Valencia County) – Final Update

March 27, 2026

Highlights: Containment lines on the Unified Fire held up to tests from higher winds yesterday, raising containment to 50%. Today, fire crews will continue suppression activities as well as rehabilitation efforts within the affected area. This will be the final notification on the Unified Fire unless significant changes occur. 

Update: Today, fire suppression crews will continue to search for interior heat to extinguish within the Unified Fire footprint and build depth to containment lines along the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to remove hazardous trees for the safety of firefighters and the public. Resource advisors are conducting surveys within the fire area and along the perimeter to assess for suppression repair needs. Weather forecasts predict increased east-southeast wind gusts of 25-40 mph and the potential for blowing dust. Threats to nearby homes have passed, however the public should continue to avoid the bosque area while crews continue suppression activities through the weekend  

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.  

Weather: Currently 56 degrees F, 43% RH, north winds at 21 mph, gusts 28. Highs near 68 degrees. Breezy, with an east wind 15-25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. A High Wind Warning is in effect for today, until 9pm this evening. Tonight, lows around 35 degrees. East wind 15-25 mph becoming north 5-10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. 

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Acres: 300.  

Containment: 50% 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: Homes are no longer threatened.  

Evacuations / Closures: No evacuations are in place. Previous evacuations have been lifted. 

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, 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. Total personnel: 150.                                               

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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook page.