SANTA FE, N.M. — A local Type 4 incident management team from the Española Ranger District and Santa Fe National Forest has assumed command of the Frijoles Fire, which continues to burn in the Pecos Wilderness.
According to fire officials, the wildfire is estimated at 15,483 acres and is now 79% contained. The transition in command took place on the evening of Sept. 8.
Crews continue working along the fire’s eastern perimeter, where pockets of heat remain in steep and rugged terrain. Fire managers say suppression efforts in that area are expected to move slowly due to difficult access and safety concerns within the wilderness.
In addition to active firefighting operations, crews are continuing repair work in areas impacted by suppression efforts. Fire officials also noted that drying conditions and sustained sunshine could still allow for some fire growth in and around the affected area.
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team will continue evaluating fire impacts and potential recovery needs under the management of the local forest unit.
Smoke Impacts Expected to Continue
Officials say smoke will remain visible from the fire’s eastern flank as vegetation continues to burn.
Communities that may experience smoke, particularly during the evening and early morning hours, include:
- Española
- Santa Cruz
- Chimayó
- Cordova
- Nambe
- Pojoaque
- Tesuque
Smoke may also be visible from Los Alamos and Santa Fe.
Closures Remain in Effect
A temporary forest area closure remains in place within portions of the Santa Fe National Forest, including areas of the Pecos Wilderness in the Española Ranger District.
A temporary road closure also remains in effect on Forest Road 306, from the intersection of Forest Roads 440 and 306 west to the forest boundary.
Fire officials are also reminding the public that unauthorized drone activity can interfere with firefighting operations and pose safety risks to crews working on the fire.
