Grass Fire in Torrance County Damages Outbuilding

Fireworks blamed as cause of blaze that burned 102 acres

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A grass fire in Torrance County, New Mexico damaged one outbuilding and caused evacuations, according to local officials. The Moriarty Fire Department responded to the fire around 4 p.m. near Cummings Ave. and Appaloosa, which burned 102 acres. No homes were lost, but an outbuilding was damaged. The Torrance County Emergency Manager stated the fire was caused by fireworks.

Why it matters

Grass fires are a major concern in the Southwest, especially during dry and windy conditions. This incident highlights the risks posed by fireworks and the need for public education and safety measures to prevent such fires from occurring, particularly in rural areas with dry vegetation.

The details

The Moriarty Fire Department responded to the grass fire around 4 p.m. near Cummings Ave. and Appaloosa. The department said the fire burned 102 acres, and while no homes were lost, one outbuilding was damaged. The Torrance County Emergency Manager attributed the cause of the fire to fireworks.

  • The fire started around 4 p.m. on March 10, 2026.

The players

Moriarty Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and battled the grass fire.

Torrance County Emergency Manager

The county official who stated the fire was caused by fireworks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to ensure all hot spots are extinguished.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of fire prevention and public safety measures, especially in dry, fire-prone regions, to mitigate the risks posed by activities like fireworks that can easily ignite vegetation and threaten nearby structures.