Three Structure Fires Reported in Las Cruces Within 12-Hour Period

Las Cruces firefighters responded to three separate structure fires at different locations across the city within a 12-hour span between Tuesday, Jan. 27, and early Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire on the 800 block of S. Main Street Upon arrival, crews found a small fire on the exterior of a motel. Firefighters removed portions of the door frame and exposed the attic space to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. The occupant of the involved apartment was safely removed prior to attic exposure. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

At about 6 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to a report of the smell of smoke in the area of the 3100 block of Executive Hills Road. Responders discovered a fire had occurred inside the residence but was no longer actively burning upon arrival. Firefighters conducted a thorough assessment and confirmed the fire had been fully extinguished and had not extended into the home’s structural components. The incident caused significant fire and smoke damage. One occupant was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to a local hospital for further medical care. Firefighters determined that improperly stored fireplace ash contributed to the fire.

And just before 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on the 1100 block of Heather Avenue. The first arriving crew found a single-story apartment building with heavy fire coming from one unit. The occupant was able to escape but sustained significant burns and was immediately treated and transported to the hospital in critical condition. Crews brought the fire under control within 15 minutes and prevented it from spreading to neighboring apartments. A second alarm was requested. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire Safety Reminder

The Las Cruces Fire Department reminds residents that fire conditions can change rapidly, and attempting to fight a fire can place individuals at significant risk. Personal safety should always be the priority. Occupants should immediately exit the structure, move to a safe location, and call 911. These incidents also serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms and having readily accessible fire extinguishers as part of an overall home fire safety plan.