Sand Springs Wildfire Update
Mountainair Ranger District - August 6, 2026
MAP Below
Albuquerque, NM – August 6, 2026 — Fire resources are actively engaged in direct suppression efforts on Sand Springs Wildfire on the Mountainair Ranger District.
Yesterday afternoon a weather system created outflow winds in the fire area adding additional challenges for ground response on the estimated 30 acres. Large air tankers provided multiple retardant drops yesterday to reduce fire spread. Despite rugged terrain and hot weather, ground crews are engaging in suppression operations to establish containment lines around the accessible portions of the fire. Personnel will secure the perimeter by identifying hot spots and removing burnable fuel from fire's edge.
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
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 Type 1 Hotshot Crew and 1 Engine Module.
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 Springs Fire on August 6, 2026.
Additional updates will be sent as new information is received.
Weather forecast for Mountainair, NM (August 6, 2026) Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tonight: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday (August 7, 2026): Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. https://www.weather.gov/
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