April 23, 2026 
Update: Yesterday, a New Mexico Forestry Division Type-3 ad-hoc team assumed command of the Tusas Fire at approximately 6 p.m. Crews worked overnight on initial attack and structure protection. Fire activity was steady through the night but moderated slightly this morning.
Today, crews are working to establish containment lines along the flanks. State, local and federal fire crews and aviation resources are engaging with full suppression tactics. No structures have been impacted, but multiple structures are still threatened and evacuations are in place.
The Tusas Fire was discovered Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m. near NM 266 west of Sapello in San Miguel County. Currently, the fire is estimated at 150 acres and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuations / Closures: Residents of NM 266 between mile markers 3-6 have been evacuated; residents between mile marker 3 and State Highway 94 are on Set status; residents on County Road A4A to Highway 94 are on Ready status. NM 266 to County Road A3 remains closed.
Shelters: Abe Montoya Rec Center will be open in case of further evacuations. 1751 N. Grand Ave., Las Vegas, NM.
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 61 degrees F, 11% RH, southwest winds at 24 mph with gusts to 39 mph. Today, mostly sunny with a high near 66; windy, with a west wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph. A Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning are in effect for the area until 8 p.m.
##
Acres: 150 estimated.
Containment: 0% contained.
Start Date / Time: Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
Fuels: Timber, piñon-juniper, grass.
Cause: Under investigation.
Location: Las Tusas, west of Sapello in San Miguel County, NM 266, mile marker 2.5.
Ownership: Private.
Structure Threat: Threatened homes evacuated, multiple structures in Ready and Set status.
Resources: Forestry Division; volunteer fire department resources from San Miguel, Gallinas, Spaello and Sheridan; multiple Type-6 engines; Carson IHC hand crew; Rio Grande IHC hand crew; Mimbres hand crew; Pecos River hand crew; Wildfire Response Program; multiple air resources.Total personnel: 130.
##
For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information.
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.
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.