SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. — Fire crews continue to make progress on the Rio Fire burning in northern New Mexico, with containment now at 31%.
The wildfire, which started June 16, has burned an estimated 147 acres in the Mesa de la Gallina area, about three miles northeast of Chicoma Peak. Officials say the fire was caused by lightning.
Crews are focusing on strengthening containment lines and cooling areas of lingering heat along the fire’s perimeter. While work has been completed around much of the fire, areas are not considered fully contained until managers are confident it will remain within those lines.
Some firefighting resources have been reassigned to higher-priority incidents, but about 124 personnel remain assigned to the fire. Crews continue to improve access roads and support suppression and repair efforts in the area.
Fire officials say weather conditions remain dry, with limited overnight humidity. However, there is a potential for showers and thunderstorms later this week that could impact fire behavior.
The Rio Fire is one of several wildfires currently burning across New Mexico, as crews respond to multiple incidents statewide during an active early summer fire season.
At this time, there are no closures reported, though officials urge caution in the area due to ongoing firefighting operations. Minimal smoke may be visible in surrounding communities, including Santa Fe, Española, and Los Alamos County.
