July 23, 2025 
Strategic firing operations strengthen planned containment lines on Laguna Fire
Acres: 16,934
Start Date: 06/25/2025
Location: Gallina, NM
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 297
Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer
Containment: 55%
Resources: 2 crews | 9 engines | 4 helicopters | 2 unmanned aircraft system | 2 water tenders | 2 dozer | 3 ambulance
Highlights: Cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels across the region are helping firefighters strengthen containment lines as aerial resources continue with strategic firing operations.
Fire Activity: Firefighters assigned to the Laguna Fire, located approximately 4 miles northeast of Gallina, NM, continue to work towards objectives with strategic firing operations yesterday along both the northern and eastern perimeters of the fire. These efforts secured the fire’s edge to established containment lines while taking advantage of natural landscape features to help limit the fire’s spread. To maintain oversight of the fire area overnight, firefighters staffed two wildland fire engines overnight at Gallina Ranch. Their focus was to monitor the western flank of the fire and to ensure the perimeter remained secure overnight.
The completion of yesterday’s operations marks continued progress toward key incident objectives: keeping the fire south of the Rio Chama corridor and west of La Presa Canyon, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety in the surrounding area.
Aviation resources played a critical role in yesterday’s success. There are currently three, type 1 helicopters and one type 3 helicopter in addition to two unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) assigned to the fire. Yesterday the Type 3 helicopter and UAS were deployed to assist ground crews with ignitions in areas too steep and inaccessible for safe foot access. These aerial assets provided critical support while reducing exposure risk for firefighters working in rugged terrain.
Weather: While monsoonal moisture brought rain and gusty winds to much of New Mexico, the Laguna Fire area saw minimal direct impact from the current weather pattern. Cooler temperatures and overcast skies did, however, help moderate fire behavior, creating ideal conditions for the planned firing operations. A hotter and drier weather pattern is expected to blanket the fire area by the start of the weekend. The change in weather conditions may increase the fire activity and interior islands may become active and exhibit high to extreme fire behavior, however this activity poses no threat to the containment lines.
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. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is also in place for the area. 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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