SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST NEWS RELEASE
Public Information: 505-407-5343 Acres: 8,921
Media Information: 505-230-5386 Containment: 12%
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Start Date: August 4, 2026
Email: 2026.frijoles@firenet.gov Cause: Lightning
Incident Website: Personnel: 544
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmsnf-frijoles-fire
Evacuation Status Changed to Ready Status for Borrego Mesa and Nambe Pueblo Lake Area
Operational Update: Today, firefighters will continue to construct contingency lines including handline moving north from Rio Frijoles connecting into FR 306 (Forest Road) to the east. An indirect line south through Canon Chimayo will be plumbed with hose lays. South of Rio Frijoles the Scout Trail will be prepped to use as a containment line. North of Rio Frijoles, crews working close to the fire perimeter, will assess terrain and construct containment lines. To the northeast, FR 436 is being assessed for viability to deploy handcrews and heavy equipment close to the fire perimeter. To the south of the fire, firefighters will continue to assess advantageous natural features for viability of direct extinguishment strategies and to identify contingency lines.
Team 8 will continue working in close coordination with Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico Forestry Division, Santa Fe County, Rio Arriba County, surrounding communities, Pueblos and Tribes to ensure natural and cultural values at risk are minimally affected by suppression efforts.
Weather: Today there will be a 20% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, otherwise mostly cloudy. Maximum temps will be in the low 80°s with minimum humidity ranging between 28 to 34%. Winds will be southeast 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 15mph.
Evacuations: Santa Fe County and Rio Arriba County issued evacuation status updates. Santa Fe County issued a “Ready Status” update for the Borrego Mesa area (specifically around FR 440 and FR 306) and Nambe Pueblo Lake and a “Go Status” update – Immediate Evacuation of individuals on Camino de Canon in Cundiyo. The rest of Cundiyo and Cerro Piñon have been placed on “Set Status”. Rio Arriba County issued a “Ready Status” update for the community of Cordova.
Evacuation Shelter: For information call the Santa Fe County Fire information line (505) 428-3737
Changes to evacuation status can be found on the Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County Fire Web page: https:// www.santafecountynm.gov/fire & https://www.facebook.com/
There is a road closure for NM 503 between County Road 98 and State Road 76. Visitors are encouraged to avoid the fire area and use caution when traveling near firefighting operations.
Forest Closure: The Santa Fe National Forest issued a Temporary Road Closure Order affecting FR 306, from the intersection of FR 440 and FR 306, West to the Forest Boundary and FR 306. The closure can be found here https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
No closure order exists for the Pecos Wilderness, but with fire suppression happening in the Wilderness within the Española Ranger District, the public should avoid this area.