July 24, 2025 
Firefighters continue progress on the Laguna Fire with aerial support and favorable weather
Acres: 17,020
Start Date: 06/25/2025
Location: Gallina, NM
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 262
Fuels: Oak brush, Piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer
Containment: 55%
Resources: 1 crews | 7 engines | 4 helicopters | 2 unmanned aircraft system | 2 water tenders | 2 dozer | 3 ambulance
Highlights: Strategic use of aerial resources, including helicopters and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has supported efforts to secure the fire’s perimeter, while crews on the ground work to mop up and strengthen containment lines. Thanks to steady progress on the Laguna Fire, fire managers have been able to reduce the threat level for the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, which is now in READY status.
Fire Activity: Over the past 24 hours, fire activity on the Laguna Fire has moderated due to higher humidity levels associated with passing storms. This shift in weather provided welcome relief to firefighters and supported strategic firing operations along the northern and eastern perimeters.
Yesterday, a Type 3 helicopter was used on the eastern edge of the fire to conduct aerial ignition, directing the fire downslope to the cliff faces above La Presa Canyon. As the fire consumes available vegetation along these cliffs, forward progress is expected to slow due to limited remaining fuels. Additionally, a UAS was successfully deployed on the northern perimeter to continue aerial ignitions on small pockets of unburned fuel and tie fire activity into containment lines and natural barriers. Following the completion of firing operations, crews will work to extinguish remaining heat and solidify control lines against further spread.
Heavy equipment has completed repair and rehabilitation work on Forest Road 151—the main travel corridor for fire personnel along the Rio Chama. As weekend traffic increases, visitors are urged to drive cautiously. Portions of the newly graded road may be soft, and both fire-related and public traffic may be heavy at times.
Weather and Smoke: The current monsoonal pattern is expected to shift over the next 24 hours, with hotter and drier conditions moving into the area from the south. As temperatures rise and fuels dry out, fire activity may increase in pockets of unburned fuels, adding to smoke production. Fire crews, supported by water-dropping helicopters, will continue to closely monitor these areas and respond as needed to protect containment lines. Please use caution when driving in the area. For the most up-to-date smoke information, visit 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 http://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 tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=list
Evacuations: Gallina Ranch remains in GO evacuation status, but the Monastery of Christ in the Desert has been reduced to READY status. For complete information on evacuations in New Mexico, visit http://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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