PatRick crew mopping up along fireline June 29. 2026. Photo Courtesy SFNF
SFNF NEWS RELEASE
Acres: 712
Containment: 43%
Start Date: June 24, 2026
Location: Jemez Ranger District, east of Battleship Rock
Cause: Undetermined
Fuels: Timber, grass & understory, hardwood litter
Personnel: 386
Highlights: Crews from the McCauley Springs Fire assisted local units in responding to a new start within the Valles Caldera National Preserve yesterday. The 6.8 acre Rendocito Fire near PC03 Road received water drops from helicopters, and an engine and three squads of hotshots were able to assist in quickly constructing containment line around the fire. Local units from the Bandelier National Monument patrolled into the night.
Repopulation is underway in the community of Sierra de los Pinos. Forest visitors will need to respect the current fire area closure and stay on the roadway. Highway 4 has been reopened, but travelers can expect delays due to pilot cars managing traffic flow between mile marker 27 and 33. Numerous resources are supporting this transition, and the area remains an active suppression zone. Full details on the repopulation procedure are available at: https://www.sandovalcountynm.
Operations: On the McCauley Springs Fire, crews continue securing the North and East edges, with suppression repair underway between Highway 4 and the East Fork Trail. Graders will address soil compaction from heavy machinery used during line construction. Operations today will focus on implementing the suppression repair plan developed by Resource Advisors.
Fire restrictions: Statewide fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires, fireworks, smoking, debris burning, and oil and gas flaring are banned on all non-municipal, non-federal, and non-Tribal lands. In addition, the entirety of the Santa Fe National Forest remains in Stage II fire restrictions. No campfires, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fires are allowed on the Santa Fe National Forest. Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
Weather: Today will be mostly sunny, with a high around 80°F. Southwest winds 15- 20 mph will be accompanied by a slight chance of precipitation in the afternoon.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Albuquerque, U.S. 550, Jemez Springs, and surrounding communities. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Closures: The closure of the fire area remains in effect. The full closure can be viewed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/
Evacuations: Evacuations have been lifted for the community of Sierra de los Pinos.
Safety: No drones or aircraft are allowed to fly in the area. If you fly, they can’t.