Sparks Fire / Crow Creek Fire – Final Updates 

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on two fires that are requiring the attention and state, local and county resources in New Mexico. This will be the final notification on these fires unless significant changes occur.  

Sparks Fire – Quay County – 4/30/26 

Update: Yesterday, fire activity picked up as temperatures warmed, producing wind-driven runs and active torching. Crews continued to extinguish heat and establish fireline around the fire’s perimeter. A Type 1 helicopter provided water and retardant drops to slow fire progression.  

Today, humidity and cloud cover have minimized fire activity and allowed crews to secure the fire perimeter, raising the containment percentage to 75%. Fire activity has reduced to creeping, with smoldering in the interior. Resources will continue extinguishing heat near the fire’s northern edge. This will be the final notification unless there are significant changes. 

The Sparks Fire was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 near HWY 156 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

Closures: None in place.  

Weather: Currently 52 degrees F and overcast,65% RH, east winds at 12 mph. Today, 20% chance of showers after 3 p.m.; mostly cloudy, with a high near 62; east wind around 15 mph.  

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Acres: 10,000 estimated. 

Containment: 75% contained. 

Start Date / Time: 3.20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26. 

Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper. 

Cause: Under investigation. 

Location: HWY 156 mm41. 

Ownership: Private. 

Structure Threat: Threat has passed. 

Resources: Forestry Division, Quay County Districts 1, 2, 3, 4; Quay County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Cochiti FD, City of Santa Fe FD, Sandoval FD, Multiple VFD including Valley, Forest Fire, Jordan, House, Grady, Broadview, Melrose, Tucumcari, Porter. Total Personnel: 80. 

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Crow Creek Fire – Colfax County – 4/30/26 

Update: Response crews made good progress yesterday stopping progression of the Crow Creek Fire, ultimately containing it to 100% Some resources will return today to mop up interior heat and smokes. No structures were impacted, and road closures have been lifted. This will be the final notification unless there are significant changes. 

The Crow Creek Fire was discovered at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 near HWY 445 north of Maxwell in Colfax County. Final acreage is 1,200 acres, and the fire is 100% contained. 

Closures: All closures lifted. 

Weather: Currently 44 degrees F, 60% RH, southwest winds at 9 mph. Today, a chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon; high near 56; southeast wind 5-10 mph; 90% chance of precipitation. 

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Acres: 1,200 estimated. 

Containment: 100% contained.      

Start Date / Time: 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. 

Fuels: Grass. 

Cause: Under investigation. 

Location: HWY 445 north of Maxwell in Colfax County. 

Ownership: Private. 

Structure Threat: Threat has passed. 

Resources: Forestry Division, Maxwell VFD, Cimarron VFD, Philmont VFD, Red River Fire Department, Raton Fire Department, Colfax County Rapid Response, air resources. Total personnel: 30. 

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George Ducker, Prevention and Communications Manager, NM Forestry Division

george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov