COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
The Rio Fire, a lightning-strike fire that was first detected yesterday evening, has burned about 5-10 acres in a previously burned area on the Santa Fe National Forest. Smoke will be visible as the fire is burning in a remote area that is difficult to access. There is no threat to Los Alamos from this fire.
Further details about the fire can be found on the New Mexico Fire Information interagency site: https://nmfireinfo.com/2026/
Editor’s note:
From nmfireinfo.com The Rio Fire was detected the evening of June 16, 2026, and is located on Mesa De La Gallina three miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain. Fire size is currently reported at 5-10 acres burning through rocky terrain in an old, burned area with heavy dead-and-down fuels, Ponderosa pine, and brush, cause is lightning. Access to the fire is limited, and fire managers are working to establish safe routes for crews to reach the area. The fire is expected to increase in size due to limited access, fuels and expected red flag conditions predicted for today over the fire area. Resources assigned to the fire include three fire engines and two Type 1 helicopters. A Type 2 Initial Attack hand crew has been ordered for the Rio Fire and is expected to arrive on scene today. A total of 35 personnel is assigned to the fire. Smoke from the Rio Fire may be visible from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Espanola and the surrounding communities. A red flag warning has been issued for the Santa Fe National Forest starting at 12:00pm and is expected to last until 9:00pm tonight. The local Type 3 helicopter is available to respond to any new fires on the forest.