Line Fire, Mimms Fire – Quay County – Update 5.16.26

May 15, 2026

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfire activity that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico, including the Line Fire and the Mimms Fire.

Line Fire – Quay County

Update: Last night, response crews made good progress holding the Line Fire on its eastern flank and protecting the community of Nara Visa. Resources were able to anchor off natural features of the area, such as roads and arroyos, to help build containment lines. Containment now stands at 25%, and the fire’s estimated size has grown to 20,000 acres.  

Today, crews will focus on establishing line along the fire’s north edge. Forecasted weather anticipates high temperatures, low humidity and shifting winds. Power lines were impacted, and power companies are working to restore lines. All evacuations and road closures have been lifted. The Line Fire was discovered at 6:14 p.m. Thursday, May 14 near HWY 54 south of Nara Visa in Quay County.  

Evacuations / Closures: Road closures and community evacuations have been lifted. 

Weather: 81 degrees F, 9% RH, west winds at 13 mph. Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. this evening. Today sunny, with highs near 92. Northwest wind 10-15 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. 

Acres: 20,000 acres estimated. 

Containment: 25% contained.      

Start Date / Time: 6:14 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 

Fuels: Grass. 

Cause: Lightning. 

Location: HWY 54 south of Nara Visa in Quay County. 

Ownership: State and private in New Mexico and Texas. 

Structure Threat: Multiple structures were threatened, but threat has passed. Impacts to structures in the area will be assessed today. 

Resources: NM Forestry Division, Quay County, local volunteer fire department resources. Six type-6 engines, one fixed-wing aircraft. 

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Mimms Fire – Quay County

Graders and engines continue to work on moderating forward progression and building containment line on the Mimms Fire. The head of the fire has moved into more challenging terrain for resource accessibility. The fire is continuing to make runs and exhibiting extreme behavior with tree torching and visible interior heat. Additional resources, including air operations, will be ordered today.  

Acres: 2,100 estimated. 

Containment: 0% contained.      

Start Date / Time: 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 

Fuels: Grass, pinon/juniper 

Cause: Lightning. 

Location: North of HWY 156, northwest of Jordan, east of Sparks Fire footprint. 

Ownership: Private. 

Threats: Structure threat has passed.  

Weather: Today sunny, with highs near 92. Northwest wind 10-15 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%, slight chance of thunderstorms after noon. Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. this evening. 

Resources: NM Forestry Division, Oregon Department of Forestry, local volunteer fire department resources, NM Department of Transportation. 

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