SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. — Firefighters continue working to contain the Frijoles Fire burning in the Pecos Wilderness Area of the Santa Fe National Forest, as the lightning-caused wildfire has grown to 3,290 acres and remains 0% contained.
The fire started on Aug. 4 and is burning in steep, rugged terrain about five miles west of Sierra Mosca and three miles southeast of Cundiyo on the Española Ranger District.
More than 100 personnel are assigned to the incident, with crews using bulldozers, helicopters, and large air tankers to slow the fire’s spread. Fire managers expect active fire behavior to continue as hot temperatures and changing weather conditions persist across northern New Mexico.
In addition to suppression efforts, firefighters are conducting structure assessments and preparing defensible space around homes and buildings in Cundiyo, Canyon Chimayo, Cerro Piñon, and the Gorham Boy Scout Ranch. Crews are establishing water sources, sprinkler systems, and fuel-reduction measures to help protect properties if the fire advances.
Officials say weather remains a concern. Thunderstorms could bring lightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rainfall, and sudden shifts in fire behavior. Winds associated with storm outflows could exceed 35 to 45 miles per hour.
Santa Fe County has placed the communities of Cundiyo and Cerro Piñon under “Ready” status, meaning residents should remain alert and prepared in case evacuation levels change. A portion of N.M. 503 remains closed between County Road 98 and State Road 76, and the Santa Fe National Forest has issued a temporary closure for portions of Forest Road 306.
Smoke from the fire is expected to remain visible in Santa Fe, Española, Cundiyo, Chimayó, Pojoaque, and Nambe, especially during evening and overnight hours.
Fire officials are also reminding the public to avoid flying drones near the fire after a recent drone incursion temporarily impacted aerial firefighting operations. Authorities say aircraft are actively operating from Nambe Lake and Santa Cruz Lake in support of suppression efforts.
The Frijoles Fire remains under full suppression efforts as crews work to protect nearby communities and slow the wildfire’s growth.
