"The WHISKEY fire’s rapid expansion to over 500 acres in just 24 days, combined with the deployment of more than 130 personnel and a cost exceeding $3.8 million, highlights the substantial impact natural wildfires can have on remote New Mexico communities and the extensive resources required for suppression."
The WHISKEY wildfire, located 15 miles northwest of Mountainair in Torrance County, New Mexico, was first discovered on August 21, 2026. The fire, caused by natural factors and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, grew rapidly from 22.5 acres on August 25 to a peak of 542 acres by September 14, with containment remaining at 0% until mid‑September. Personnel peaked at 138 on September 1, then gradually decreased as containment improved, reaching 52 firefighters by September 22. Fire behavior shifted from active, flanking and isolated torching in late August to moderate, creeping and smoldering conditions in early September, and finally to minimal, backing and smoldering by mid‑September, reflecting a slow but steady containment progress. The incident’s estimated cost rose from $15,000 in late August to over $3.8 million by September 20, indicating significant resource deployment.
Official source description: 15 Miles NW from Mountainair, NM
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Albuquerque. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Given the current minimal fire behavior and 52% containment, general wildfire safety precautions apply: stay informed of local advisories, avoid outdoor activities in the fire’s vicinity, and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
IRWIN ID: {D523CDA6-59EA-4DF0-8CBE-DF2778E55B0F}
Discovered: Aug 21, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $3,876,659
Coordinates: 34.6788, -106.4319
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in NM.
The WHISKEY Fire has burned 542 acres as of September 20, 2026.
As of the latest update, the WHISKEY Fire is 52% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The WHISKEY Fire is burning in Torrance, NM.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the WHISKEY Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →