8:35 Official City Update: Tinsley Trailer Park Fire Damaged Six Structures; Mutual Aid From Holloman, Otero County Needed as Winds Complicated Suppression

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — The City of Alamogordo issued an official update Sunday evening on the multi-structure fire at Tinsley Trailer Park, revising the scope of the damage and detailing a longer, more difficult firefighting effort than initially apparent.

In a statement released to media outlets at 8:25 p.m. from the office of the city manager; Dr. Stephanie Hernandez and the office of the Mayor Sharon McDonald, the city said the fire ultimately impacted approximately six structures — a larger toll than the four trailers and one commercial building cited in early on-scene accounts when Alamogordo Town News first reported the blaze earlier in the evening.

The statement also indicates suppression operations continued well past the point this outlet’s initial report described the fire as extinguished and the scene secured. According to the city, strong winds drove the fire’s rapid spread and complicated conditions for crews throughout the incident, and firefighters remained actively engaged in suppression for an extended period, using an excavator to demolish unstable structures and expose hidden hot spots in the debris. The combination of prolonged operations, high ambient temperatures and heat from the fire itself required the city to rotate personnel to keep crews safe.

Mutual aid from Holloman, Otero County

Given the size and complexity of the incident, the city requested mutual aid from Holloman Air Force Base and Otero County to assist Alamogordo Fire Department crews with suppression. In the statement, Hernandez thanked the Alamogordo Fire Department for its work protecting the community, and separately thanked Otero County Fire Rescue and Holloman Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services, saying their response and partnership were instrumental in bringing the fire under control.

On scene: mop-up underway

Alamogordo Town News was on the scene Sunday night as of roughly 8:30 p.m., where police and fire crews remained present but in a mop-up posture — checking the debris for embers and hot spots rather than actively fighting flame. The fire itself appears fully extinguished at this point, with remaining personnel focused on ensuring it stays that way before crews clear the scene.

One firefighter had to go to the hospital for smoke inhalation no other injuries reported.

What’s still unknown

As of this update, the city has not released information on injuries or displaced residents. Tinsley Trailer Park has roughly 25–30 occupied units, and no word has yet been given on how many were affected or where displaced residents may be staying. Fire investigators are expected to examine the scene to determine cause and origin once it is safe to do so; officials have asked the public to stay clear of the area while that work proceeds.

Background: a property already on the city’s radar

The fire adds a new chapter to Tinsley Trailer Park’s long-running code-compliance troubles. In September 2024, the City Commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to condemn the property following a zoning recommendation, citing ongoing code violations, maintenance failures and the volume of police activity tied to the site. The Sewell family, the park’s owners, were given a two-year window to bring it into compliance or face condemnation and possible demolition. That window has not yet run out — but Sunday’s fire is likely to intensify scrutiny of the property’s conditions well before it does.

The official statement to our inquiry reads:

“Please see below. The mayor posted on her official page…

The fire has impacted approximately six structures. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Holloman Air Force Base and Otero County to assist with suppression efforts.

Strong winds throughout the incident contributed to the fire’s rapid spread and created challenging conditions for responding crews. Firefighters remain actively engaged in suppression operations, utilizing an excavator to safely demolish unstable structures and expose concealed hot spots within the debris. The combination of prolonged operations, high ambient temperatures, and the intense heat generated by the fire required the ongoing rotation of personnel to ensure safe and effective firefighting operations.

I extend our sincere appreciation to the Alamogordo Fire Department for their dedication, and unwavering commitment in protecting our community throughout this incident.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Otero County Fire Rescue and Holloman Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services for their response, assistance, and strong partnership throughout this incident. They were instrumental in helping bring the fire under control.

Alamogordo Town News will continue to update this story as more information is released. 8:39 pm 

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