July 21, 2025 
Planned fire operations may increase smoke in the area.
Acres: 16,713
Start Date: 06/25/2025
Location: Gallina, NM
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 325
Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer
Containment: 55%
Resources: 2 crews | 14 engines | 4 helicopters | 2 unmanned aircraft system | 5 water tenders | 2 dozer | 3 ambulance
Highlights: Active fire behavior due to warmer temperatures and strong winds prompts aerial support and strategic firing operations to achieve full suppression of the Laguna fire. Increased smoke production can be expected in the area.
Fire Activity: The Laguna Fire remains a full suppression fire, and firefighters will continue working today toward achieving complete containment. Warmer temperatures and gusty winds from passing thunderstorms are expected to increase fire activity, particularly along the northern and eastern edges of the fire.
Crews will continue road preparation along Forest Service Road 151 and will also be grading and improving Gallina Mountain Road. This work supports its use as a contingency line and ensures safer access for firefighting equipment and personnel. In addition, debris chipping will continue in the area to reduce available fuels and support upcoming strategic ignition operations. Air resources completed critical suppression work along the fire’s eastern perimeter, where rugged terrain restricts ground access. Using water drops, aircraft established a temporary barrier in preparation for continued firing operations.
These strategic ignitions are a key component of full suppression tactics, helping to eliminate unburned vegetation and reduce fire intensity. However, this may lead to increased smoke in surrounding communities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official fire updates and daily smoke outlooks available online.
Weather: Dry air and low humidity will inhibit thunderstorm development today, but isolated storms can be expected with strong winds coming from the west. Storm motion will be faster than yesterday and will favor strong and erratic wind shifts, up to 15 to 20 miles per hour, with the potential for heavy rainfall. Partly cloudy conditions will develop and continue into tonight, with lingering storms possible in the vicinity but diminishing after midnight.
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
NM Fire Info 
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