Perch Fire Burns 100 Acres Southeast of Santa Rosa; Evacuations Ordered as Flames Threaten Structures and Airport

SANTA ROSA, N.M. — A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Perch Fire ignited Monday afternoon southeast of Santa Rosa near Perch Lake, prompting immediate “GO” evacuations and drawing a multi-agency response in Guadalupe County.

The New Mexico Forestry Division reported the fire was discovered at 12:50 p.m. on March 30, 2026. It quickly grew to an estimated 100 acres and remained 0% contained as of the latest update. The blaze is burning actively in grass and brush fuels, with spot fires crossing State Road 91 and pushing eastward.

Structures are threatened, including the Santa Rosa Airport. Fire behavior has been aggressive under windy, dry conditions.

Guadalupe County issued “GO” status evacuations for the east side of State Road 91 from mile marker 1 to 6. Officials urged residents to leave immediately, warning that visibility in the area could be significantly reduced and that roads or evacuation routes might become blocked. State Road 91 southbound is closed to incoming traffic, though outbound vehicles are permitted to depart the area.

A shelter has been opened at the Santa Rosa Blue Hole Convention Center, located at 1085 Blue Hole Rd., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.

Air resources have been dispatched to support the effort, and ground crews are employing full suppression tactics. Responding agencies include the New Mexico Forestry Division, Guadalupe County, Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department, Bernalillo County, Town of Bernalillo, City of Santa Fe, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and Quay County Fire Districts 1 and 2.

Current weather at the scene: 84 degrees with 10% relative humidity and winds at 24 mph gusting to 31 mph. Overnight conditions are forecast to be mostly cloudy with a low around 52 degrees and west winds at 10-15 mph.

The cause of the Perch Fire remains under investigation. The fire is burning on private land.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about New Mexico’s Ready, Set, Go! wildfire preparedness system by visiting emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/.

This is a developing situation. For the most current information, monitor official sources including the New Mexico Forestry Division, Guadalupe County alerts, and NMFireInfo.com.

Information compiled from New Mexico Forestry Division notifications and local reporting as of Monday evening, March 30, 2026.

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