CUNDIYO, N.M. — Firefighters continue making progress on the Frijoles Fire, which has burned 15,333 acres east of Cundiyo and is now 59% contained.
The lightning-caused wildfire, which started on Aug. 4, remains active in portions of the Santa Fe National Forest. More than 804 personnel are assigned to the incident.
According to fire officials, crews made progress Wednesday along the southeastern edge of the fire by extending direct fireline toward Frijoles Creek. Air resources assigned to the incident also responded to reports of new smoke in the surrounding area while remaining available to support firefighting operations.
On Friday, firefighters are focusing on securing and strengthening containment lines along the eastern perimeter. Crews are also patrolling and conducting mop-up operations on the western and northwestern portions of the fire, including areas near critical infrastructure.
In the northern portion of the fire, firefighters are reinforcing contingency lines near the Pecos Wilderness boundary to provide additional options should fire activity increase.
Smoke and Air Quality
Most communities near the fire are expected to experience good air quality, although residents in Taos, Santa Fe and Valley Vista may notice hazy skies. Areas including Española and Nambé could see light smoke during the morning hours before conditions improve later in the day.
Evacuations and Closures
The following communities remain under evacuation readiness notices:
- Set Status: Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon and the Borrego Mesa area
- Ready Status: Nambe Pueblo Lake and the community of Cordova
Road and forest closures also remain in place, including:
- NM 503 between County Road 98 and State Road 76
- Portions of Forest Road 306
- Temporary closures within the Santa Fe National Forest and sections of the Pecos Wilderness
Officials continue to remind visitors to avoid closed areas and use caution near active firefighting operations.
