Smoke Production From Laguna Fire Expected To Increase This Weekend

FOREST SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

Acres: 16,004
Start Date: 06/25/2025
Location: Gallina, NM
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 298
Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer
Containment: 47%

Highlights: Crews continue full suppression with strategic ignitions. Surrounding communities may experience an increase in smoke production from the planned firing operations today. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official updates and refer to the smoke outlooks posted online.

Fire Activity: Firefighters continued full suppression efforts on the Laguna Fire with progress made on multiple fronts. Yesterday, crews successfully connected the dozer line to a natural barrier on the northwestern area of the fire. Road preparation was completed along Forest Service Road 474, and repairs are underway on a washout that took place on Thursday afternoon along Forest Service Road 151. Crews are preparing and grading the Gallina Mountain Road as contingency line and to provide safer access for equipment and personnel.

Today, firefighters will continue the suppression efforts and prep for the potential use of firing operations on the northern end of the fire. These firing operations are needed for the removal of vegetation between the fire’s edge and containment lines. On the eastern portion of the fire, air operations will assist efforts by creating a water barrier where access by foot is limited, in preparation for potential ignition work in that area. If ignitions are utilized, it could lead to increased smoke in surrounding communities. To support smoke monitoring and community safety, an air resource advisor arrived on-site yesterday. This specialist will help forecast smoke behavior and collect data specific to the Laguna Fire to better inform the public and fire crews.

Weather: Modest instability will temper storm behavior, but frequent lightning, erratic wind gusts, and small hail will all be potential hazards over the fire area today. Showers and storms may linger in the evening hours.

Smoke: Area residents can expect to see continued smoke from the Laguna Fire. Please use caution when driving in the area. For the most up-to-date smoke information, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/a60ea7fd?

Closures and Flight Restrictions: A closure order is in place for USFS lands in the area. To view the complete order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/alerts/laguna-wildfire-closure-order. A new TFR will be in place starting at 9 p.m. today. For current TFR maps, visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=list

Evacuations: Gallina Ranch remains in GO evacuation status, and the Monastery of Christ in the Desert remains in SET status. For complete information on evacuations in New Mexico, visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico

Laguna Fire Incident Phone Number: 575-323-8964 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-laguna-wildfire

Email: 2025.laguna@firenet.gov

Links to further information can be found at https://linktr.ee/Incident_links?utm_source=qr_code