SANTA FE, N.M. — Firefighters continue to make progress on the Frijoles Fire burning in northern New Mexico, with containment increasing to 38% as crews take advantage of favorable weather conditions.
According to Friday’s update, the lightning-caused wildfire has grown to 15,186 acres and is being fought by 973 personnel.
Fire officials said some areas of the fire received between a quarter-inch and a half-inch of rain Thursday. Combined with higher humidity levels, the moisture helped reduce fire activity and allowed crews to directly engage portions of the fire.
Containment efforts have focused on strengthening and extending fire lines along the northern, western, and southwestern edges of the burn area. Crews recently completed containment work east toward Rito Gallina and continued improving contingency lines designed to help protect nearby communities if the fire advances.
Officials said containment lines on the western side of the fire successfully held during recent storm-driven winds, helping protect communities including Cundiyó and Cerro Piñon.
On Friday, firefighters are continuing mop-up operations, securing existing containment lines, and constructing additional contingency lines southeast of Truchas. Efforts are also underway south of Rio Frijoles toward Cañon Chimayó.
Air quality conditions were expected to be moderate Friday morning in Nambé, Santa Fe, and Valle Vista, while Española, Mora, and Taos were expected to see good air quality.
Evacuations
Current evacuation statuses include:
- Go: Camino de Cañon in Cundiyó
- Set: The remainder of Cundiyó, Cerro Piñon, and the Borrego Mesa area near Forest Roads 440 and 306
- Ready: Nambé Pueblo Lake and the community of Cordova
Road and Forest Closures
A closure remains in effect on NM 503 between County Road 98 and State Road 76.
The Pecos Wilderness area on the Española Ranger District also remains closed under a temporary forest order, and portions of Forest Road 306 remain inaccessible because of firefighting operations.
Officials continue to urge visitors to avoid the fire area as crews work to strengthen containment lines and protect nearby communities.
