SANTA FE, N.M. — Fire crews continue rehabilitation efforts on the Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico as the blaze reaches 15,956 acres and remains 90% contained.
According to fire officials, crews have spent recent days repairing damage caused by the fire and suppression efforts. Work has included repairing fences, clearing downed trees, reopening damaged forest roads, and restoring culverts and drainage systems to reduce the risk of erosion and road damage during future storms.
Heavy equipment is now being removed from the fire area, while additional road repairs are expected once construction materials arrive. Remaining restoration work will be completed by local district crews with support from Forest Service road engineers.
An infrared flight is also planned to help identify any remaining heat sources and verify containment lines. However, officials say cloud cover has delayed those operations.
Meanwhile, a community Frijoles Fire Recovery Open House that was postponed because of rainfall and flooding concerns has been rescheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Chimayo Elementary School Gym. Residents will be able to meet with local, state and federal officials to discuss post-fire recovery efforts, available resources and next steps.
Fire managers are also reminding visitors to avoid driving on muddy Forest Service roads until conditions improve, noting that saturated roadways can be damaged by vehicle traffic.
Officials say this will be the final regular update on the fire. Additional information will be released once the Frijoles Fire reaches 100% containment.
