June 17, 2026 
All fires currently burning on the Santa Fe National Forest are under a full suppression, direct extinguishment strategy.
Santa Fe, NM, June 17, 2026 —Multiple fires on the Santa Fe National Forest were detected after a thunderstorm moved through Northern New Mexico on June 15, 2026.
The Pelada Fire located in the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District six miles east of Santa Fe on Forest Road 79, three miles north of Canada de Los Alamos, was detected the evening of June 16, 2026, and is currently 4.9 acres in size, cause is still undetermined. Forward progression of the fire has been stopped; firefighters were able to construct a fire line around the perimeter of the fire. There is a total of 30 personnel currently on the fire, including one hotshot crew, two fire engines and an ambulance. Smoke from the Pelada Fire may be visible from the Santa Fe foothills, Canada de Los Alamos, and I-25 near Arroyo Hondo. Crews anticipate containment by this evening. No further updates will be provided unless fire behavior significantly changes.
The Rio Fire was detected the evening of June 16, 2026, and is located on Mesa De La Gallina three miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain. Fire size is currently reported at 5-10 acres burning through rocky terrain in an old, burned area with heavy dead-and-down fuels, Ponderosa pine, and brush, cause is lightning. Access to the fire is limited, and fire managers are working to establish safe routes for crews to reach the area. The fire is expected to increase in size due to limited access, fuels and expected red flag conditions predicted for today over the fire area. Resources assigned to the fire include three fire engines and two Type 1 helicopters. A Type 2 Initial Attack hand crew has been ordered for the Rio Fire and is expected to arrive on scene today. A total of 35 personnel is assigned to the fire. Smoke from the Rio Fire may be visible from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Espanola and the surrounding communities. A red flag warning has been issued for the Santa Fe National Forest starting at 12:00pm and is expected to last until 9:00pm tonight. The local Type 3 helicopter is available to respond to any new fires on the forest.
For fire information visit the Santa Fe National Forest website, NM Fire Information, and our social media pages (Facebook and X).
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.
NM Fire Info 
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