Evening Update on Sand Springs Wildfire

Mountainair Ranger District – August 5, 2026

Albuquerque, NM – August 5, 2026 — Fire resources are actively engaged in direct suppression efforts on Sand Springs Wildfire on the Mountainair Ranger District. Ground crews have been challenged by steep mountain terrain and rolling burning material. Fire became active during mid-day conditions with spread to inaccessible terrain. Fire growth is estimated at 30 acres. Air resources were utilized to support suppression efforts.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire areas.
Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Mountainair Ranger District- Manzano Mountain Wilderness: Sand Springs Fire (Update)
Reported Date / Time: July 31, 2026 / 1538. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.   
Cause: Lightning                        Size: est. 30 acres             Containment: 0%
Location: Steep terrain north of Osha Peak, south of Capilla Peak and west of the Manzano Crest Trail in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness within the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Resources on scene: U.S. Forest Service and air resources.  
Fire Behavior: Moderate spread potential.
Fuels: Timber and dead & down.
Values at risk: Currently, the Sand Springs Fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations in effect. Communication sites and structures at Capilla Peak are approximately 1.5 miles from fire activity.
Smoke may be visible from Mountainair, Manzano, Punta de Agua, Torreon and westside of Manzano Mountains.

Additional updates will be sent as new information is received. 

Weather forecast for Mountainair, NM (August 5, 2026) Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday (August 6, 2026) Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. https://www.weather.gov/

U.S. Forest Service photo of Large Air Tanker retardant drops on Sand Springs Fire on August 5, 2026.