Signs expressing gratitude for 328 personnel working on the McCauley Springs Fire. Courtesy SFNF
SFNF NEWS RELEASE
Acres: 712
Containment: 63%
Start Date: June 24, 2026
Location: Jemez Ranger District, east of Battleship Rock
Cause: Undetermined
Fuels: Timber, grass & understory, hardwood litter
Personnel: 328
Highlights: Additional containment was declared around the northern portion of the McCauley Springs Fire yesterday. Fire crews continued mop‑up operations and worked to secure lines on the south end of the fire, while suppression repair activities continued in the east. Full containment was declared on the Redondito Fire, the 6.8‑acre fire in Valles Caldera National Preserve that started on June 30.
Repopulation continues 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: Yesterday, grading crews completed rehabilitation on Forest Service Road 134 as part of suppression repair operations on the east side of the fire. Today, crews will continue grading work along Forest Service Roads 10 and 135, while crews to the south continue to secure line and search for any remaining hotspots. Additional suppression repair resources are being brought in, as one engine and one hotshot crew were released yesterday.
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 sunny, with a high around 84°F. Light and variable winds in the morning will shift to 5 to 10 mph southwest winds in the afternoon.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible 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.