Elk Fire starts in Pecos Wilderness

Moderate rainfall helps contain the fire

Santa Fe, NM, June 19, 2026 — The Elk Fire on the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District was detected on June 19, 2026. The fire is burning 0.5 miles east of Jack’s Creek Campground and 1.5 miles northwest of Iron Gate Campground. The fire is burning within the Pecos Wilderness, the fire size is currently reported at 0.25 acres and the cause is lightning. The fire received moderate precipitation and one engine and the Pecos River Handcrew are on scene working to contain the fire.

Fire information is available on the Santa Fe National Forest website, Inciweb, NM Fire Information, and 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.