Fire

Fire destroys Estancia commercial building, knocks out power and closes NM-41

Todd Brogowski

18 Apr 2026 • 3 min read

Firefighters work to contain a structure fire at 501 Fifth Street in Estancia on April 18, 2026. Multiple agencies responded to the blaze, which destroyed the building. - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

Crews from several departments battled the fire Saturday morning as heavy smoke filled the area along NM-41 in Estancia. - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

A structure fire reported around 8:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, destroyed a commercial building at 501 Fifth Street (NM-41) in Estancia, prompting a multi-agency response, shutting down the highway, and cutting power to the town.

Flames are visible inside the structure as firefighters continue suppression efforts. The building’s roof and much of its walls later collapsed. - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

By late morning, crews had largely brought the fire under control, but not before the building’s roof and much of its walls collapsed. A column of smoke from the fire was visible as far away as Mountainair by approximately 10:00 AM.

The aftermath of the fire shows extensive structural damage. The building appears to be a total loss. (Left); Estancia Acting Fire Chief Lester Gary and Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith assess the fire. (Right) - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

Estancia Police Chief Tom Carter confirmed that no residents were present on the commercial/residential property when the fire began. No fatalities or injuries were reported.

The building was used by A Luz Enterprises, owned by Alberta Warner, which provided notary services, tax preparation, translation services, and bookkeeping. The property is co-owned by Warner and Tillery V Enterprises, a limited liability company founded in 1999 by the family that owns regional auto dealerships. Tillery had used the building as an auto dealership at some point in the fifties and sixties, according to Estancia Trustee Amy May, who was on scene to offer help. The structure appeared to be a total loss.

Fire crews from the Estancia Fire Department were assisted on scene by Moriarty Fire Department, Mountainair Fire Department, and Torrance County Fire Department. Radio traffic indicated that the Santa Fe County Fire Department also offered assistance.

Fire Crews from Mountainair Fire Department (left) and Torrance County Fire Department (right)

Estancia Mayor Runnel Riley was on scene, as was acting Estancia Fire Chief Lester Gary and currently-suspended Fire Chief Chris Wolonsky.

NM-41 was closed during the response, and, at the request of first responders, CNMEC cut power to the Town of Estancia as crews worked to contain the fire. No other structures appeared to be damaged.

Former Estancia Mayor Nathan Dial said it would be worth assessing the town’s remaining water reserves following the fire. No water was drawn from the lake at Arthur Park, which is available as an emergency firefighting resource.

According to Roy Hubbard, the initial call reported a major structure fire shortly after approximately 8:00 AM. The fire was largely under control just before noon.

Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith responding to the fire. Later, the wall of the structure collapsed on the stop sign to his left, crushing it. - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

While firefighters worked to contain the fire, a barn owl whose nest had been disturbed by the fire lofted overhead. Beneath it, Estancia residents observed the incident.

The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office is expected to investigate the fire, which qualifies as a large-loss incident. As of publication, no cause has been determined.

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