SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. — The Frijoles Fire burning in the Pecos Wilderness has grown to 6,214 acres and remains 0% contained as firefighters continue efforts to slow the blaze and protect nearby communities.
The lightning-caused wildfire started on Aug. 4 and is burning in steep terrain approximately five miles west of Sierra Mosca and three miles southeast of Cundiyo within the Española Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest.
More than 130 personnel are assigned to the incident. Fire crews are constructing indirect containment lines west of the fire and east of Cundiyo while aircraft, including large air tankers, Chinook helicopters, and a Type 1 helicopter, continue dropping water and retardant to slow the fire’s spread.
Fire officials said the blaze showed active fire behavior Monday, fueled by hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds associated with thunderstorms. Crews worked overnight on suppression efforts and structure protection operations with support from a Santa Fe County structure protection task force.
Firefighters continue preparing and protecting structures in Cundiyo, Cañon Chimayo, Cerro Piñon, and the Gorham Boy Scout Ranch. Work includes creating defensible space, installing sprinkler systems, establishing water supplies, and removing vegetation around homes and buildings.
Evacuations and Closures
Santa Fe County has elevated part of the area to a “Go” evacuation status, ordering the immediate evacuation of residents on Camino de Canon in Cundiyo.
An evacuation center has been established at:
Pojoaque Valley Middle School Gym
1797 State Road 502
Meanwhile, Rio Arriba County has issued a “Ready” status for the community of Cordova.
A portion of N.M. 503 remains closed between County Road 98 and State Road 76, and Forest Road 306 remains under a temporary closure order. Officials are urging the public to avoid the fire area and use caution near firefighting operations.
Smoke Impacts Widen
Smoke from the Frijoles Fire is now affecting a broader area across northern New Mexico. Fire officials report smoke is drifting along the Interstate 25 corridor and can be seen from Santa Fe to Las Vegas, impacting communities including:
- Eldorado
- Glorieta
- Pecos
- Mora
- Cundiyo
- Chimayó
- Española
Weather Concerns Continue
Fire managers say weather remains a significant challenge. Forecasts call for temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to mid-90s, low humidity levels, and the potential for strong thunderstorm outflow winds reaching 35 to 45 mph.
Lightning, sudden wind shifts, localized flooding, and brief periods of heavy rain are all expected to complicate firefighting efforts throughout the week.
New Management Team Taking Command
A California Complex Incident Management Team is scheduled to arrive Wednesday and will officially assume command of the fire on Aug. 13.
