Coyote, NM — July 5, 2025
The Laguna Wildfire, burning in the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest, has grown to approximately 2,700 acres and is 15% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire, which began on June 25, is located about 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. It is burning through oak brush, ponderosa pine, and pinyon-juniper fuels.
Firefighting Efforts
There are currently 120 personnel assigned to the incident, including two hotshot crews, a Type 2 Initial Attack crew, a suppression module, six engines, and two water tenders. Crews continued firing operations on the east side of the fire, working west toward Forest Road 169. These operations involve clearing vegetation to create fire lines and using aerial and hand ignitions to reduce fuel between the line and the fire front.
Fire behavior remains low-intensity, with isolated and group torching. Fuels include heavy dead and downed wood and tussock moth-killed conifers.
Weather and Smoke Conditions
Smoke is expected to continue through Sunday, with light and variable winds pushing smoke east-southeast. Hazy conditions are likely to persist due to limited wind movement. Winds are forecast to increase on Monday, which may help clear smoke from the Rio Chama River valley.
Closures and Safety
A Forest Closure Order (03-10-01-25-08) is in effect, restricting access to specific areas within the Coyote Ranger District to protect public safety during firefighting operations. The public is urged to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones near the fire, as they pose a serious risk to aerial firefighting efforts.
