FRIJOLES FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE

FRIJOLES FIRE

INCIDENT UPDATE

Sunday, August 16, 2026 

Public Information: 505-407-5343                                       Acres: 9,338

Media Information: 505-230-5386                                       Containment: 12%

Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.                                                                 Start Date: August 4, 2026

Email: 2026.frijoles@firenet.gov                                           Cause: Lightning

Incident Website:                                                                      Personnel: 656

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmsnf-frijoles-fire

 Frijoles Fire Experiences Slight Growth

Operational Update: This afternoon, the Frijoles fire aligned with topography moving further east  into the Pecos Wilderness.. The steep terrain and heavy fuel load were the main cause of the column of smoke observed throughout the region. The Santa Fe County Fire Chief has not issued any additional evacuation orders. Five engines will be assigned to the west perimeter of the fire for structure protection. There will be a community meeting Tuesday, August 18th in Santa Fe. Additional information will follow.

Team 8 will continue working in close coordination with Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico Forestry Division, Santa Fe County, Rio Arriba County, Pueblos, Tribes, and surrounding communities to ensure natural and cultural values at risk are minimally affected by suppression efforts.

Weather: Tonight will be partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms and showers until midnight. Temperatures will range between 51℉ to 57℉ with relative humidity between 75-85%. A weak inversion will set in overnight causing areas of smoke accumulation in the valleys.

The overnight air quality index prediction for the areas of Nambe and Espanola is VERY UNHEALTHY. The Air Quality Response Program recommends closing home windows and running an air filter. If in a vehicle, run the “recirculation” setting on your air conditioning. This air quality index prediction is expected to lift by tomorrow afternoon. Smoke will impact all areas  surrounding the fire.

Evacuations: InSanta Fe County  the Borrego Mesa area (specifically around FR 440 and FR 306) and Nambe Pueblo Lake remain in “Ready Status” and Camino de Canon in Cundiyo remains in “Go Status”. The rest of Cundiyo and Cerro Piñon have been placed on “Set Status”. Rio Arriba County issued a “Ready Status” update for the community of Cordova.

Evacuation Shelter: For information call the Santa Fe County Fire information line (505) 428-3737

or visit https:// www.santafecountynm.gov/fire

Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest issued a new temporary forest area closure to include the Pecos Wilderness area on the Espanola Ranger District for the Frijoles Fire. The new forest order closure and map can be found here https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/nmsnf-frijoles-fire/temporary-area-closure-order-for-frijoles-fire-08-15-2026

Additionally, there is a Temporary Road Closure Order affecting FR 306, from the intersection of FR 440 and FR 306, West to the Forest Boundary and FR 306. The closure can be found here https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/nmsnf-frijoles-fire/temporary-road-closure-order-for-frijoles-fire-forest-road-306-08-09-2026

There is a road closure for NM 503 between County Road 98 and State Road 76. Visitors are encouraged to avoid the fire area and use caution when traveling near firefighting operations.