Laguna Wildfire Daily Update July 20, 2025

July 20, 2025 by SFNFPAO 0 Comments

Increased smoke can be expected in the coming days as firefighters work to contain the fire.

Acres: 16,713 Start Date: 06/25/2025

Location: Gallina, NM Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 315 Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer

Containment: 55%

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

Fire Activity: Firefighters continue full suppression efforts on the Laguna Fire. Yesterday, along the northern edge of the fire, crews successfully carried out a planned burn operation to remove excess vegetation between the main fire and the containment line. This carefully managed fire activity helps reduce available fuels and strengthens efforts to fully suppress the fire. Road preparation was completed along Forest Service Road 474. Crews will continue preparing and grading the Gallina Mountain Road as a contingency line and to provide safer access for equipment and personnel. Crews will also continue debris chipping in the area to reduce the amount of readily available fuel for the fire and to prepare for potential ignition work.

On the eastern portion of the fire, air operations are assisting suppression 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 weather monitoring, a Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) has been placed along Forest Service Road 474. The RAWS will collect weather data that is crucial for predicting fire behavior and assessing fire danger which helps keep firefighters informed and safe.

Weather: While cooler and drier than previous days, modest moisture and instability may cause isolated thunderstorms which could result in frequent lightning, strong and erratic wind gusts, and flash flooding hazards over the fire area today. Lingering storms are possible in the vicinity going into the evening but are expected to diminish after midnight tonight.

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. 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