Old 66 Fire Contained at 50% in Quay County

Crews continue mop-up operations after the fire burned 4,111 acres and impacted one structure.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:18pm

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Fire response crews have succeeded in stopping the forward progression of the Old 66 Fire in Quay County, New Mexico, with the blaze now 50% contained after burning 4,111 acres. Crews are engaged in mop-up actions on the north and southeast sides of the fire footprint and will work to extinguish interior heat, though the threat to structures has now passed for the area.

Why it matters

Wildfires are an ongoing threat in the American Southwest, with climate change and drought conditions contributing to an increase in the frequency and severity of these events. The Old 66 Fire is the latest example of how fire crews must respond quickly to contain these blazes and protect local communities.

The details

The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation. One structure was impacted by the fire, but the threat to structures has now passed. Fire response crews from multiple local fire departments, as well as the New Mexico Forestry Division, have been engaged in suppression activities.

  • The Old 66 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27.
  • Containment reached 50% as of March 28, 2026.

The players

New Mexico Forestry Division

The state agency responsible for wildfire management and response in New Mexico.

Nara Visa Volunteer Fire Department

A local volunteer fire department that assisted in the response to the Old 66 Fire.

Quay County Fire Districts 1, 2 and 3

Local fire districts in Quay County that participated in the firefighting efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Crews are engaged in mop-up actions on the north and southeast sides of the fire footprint and will work to extinguish interior heat.”

— GDucker, Author

What’s next

Firefighters will continue mop-up operations and work to fully extinguish any remaining interior heat within the fire's footprint. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The takeaway

The successful containment of the Old 66 Fire demonstrates the critical role of coordinated fire response efforts in protecting communities from the growing threat of wildfires in the Southwest. However, the ongoing need to investigate the cause underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to these events.