Evening Update on Sand Springs Wildfire - August 5, 2026

Evening Update on Sand Springs Wildfire

Mountainair Ranger District – August 5, 2026

MAP below 

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. See map attached.

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. 

Photos attached: U.S. Forest Service photo of Mountainair Ranger District – Sand Spring Fire on afternoon of August 5, 2026. Photo of Large Air Tanker retardant drops on Sand Spring Fire.

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/

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.