Tom Springs Wildfire Daily Update

Jonathan Waller – Incident Commander

Sunday May 31, 2026

Firefighters on the Santa Fe National Forest continue to actively suppress the Tom Springs Wildfire, located approximately 10 miles northwest of the Village of Pecos in the Pecos Canyon area. No significant spread occurred overnight.

The lightning-caused wildfire, first reported on May 29, is now at 3.82 acres following updated infrared and on-the-ground size assessments gathered yesterday afternoon.

Fire crews made strong progress on Saturday, completing handline around the fire perimeter, with hose lay installed around approximately half of the line. Crews continue to secure the line today, focusing on remaining areas of heat.

All primary firefighting resources began moving back into the fire area early this morning, including engine crews, patrol units, and the Santa Fe Hotshots. A Type 1 helicopter has been ordered to support today’s operations.

Aviation resources have been critical to suppression efforts. Yesterday, a Type 1 helicopter conducted multiple water drops. A Type 3 helicopter completed reconnaissance and supported bucket operations. Monastery Lake, located west of NM State Road 63, remains the primary dip site through the weekend. Please avoid Monastery Lake when aircraft are dipping water.

There are no structures immediately threatened, though a residence nearby has been contacted. Ground access to the fire area is difficult, requiring travel on Forest Road 86A and narrow two-track roads.

The Santa Fe National Forest remains in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to elevated fire danger. Yesterday, fire crews encountered illegal campfires during firefighting operations, and all were extinguished. The public is encouraged to mitigate any wildfire risk by following these campfire safety tips.

Fire information will be provided on the Santa Fe National Forest social media pages, Facebook and X, the SFNF website, and NM Fire Information.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.

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