SUNLAND PARK, NM – On May 15, 2026, the Sunland Park Fire Department and regional partners contained a brush fire caused by fallout debris from a permitted fireworks display at Western Playland.

The incident began during the finale of the display when debris landed in thick vegetation within the bosque area near the river levee. A standby crew at the venue immediately requested additional resources.

A total of 33 personnel and 18 emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, Sunland Park requested mutual aid from three neighboring agencies:

• El Paso Fire Department

• West Valley Fire Department

• Doña Ana County Fire and Rescue

Crews focused on protecting nearby property and lives. This included safeguarding Jenson Equine Hospital, which had 20 horses on site at the time.

The fire burned thick vegetation in the bosque area before crews brought it under control. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries, and no structures were damaged.

Incident Timeline and Data

• Initial Call Out: 9:25 PM

• Fire Under Control: 12:39 AM

• Total Personnel: 33

• Total Apparatus: 18

Fire crews remain on site to monitor the area under a Fire Watch due to deep-seated smoldering.