August 23, 2026 
Public Information: 505-407-5343
Media Information: 505-230-5386
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Email: 2026.frijoles@firenet.gov
Acres: 15,226
Percent Contained: 45%
Start Date: August 4, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 913
Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmsnf-frijoles-fire
This will be the last evening update for the incident
Operational Update: Firefighters continue to establish and maintain containment along the western edge of the fire while expanding contingency work and preparing for suppression repair. This will be the last shift for night operations, after which, resources will be allocated to other areas of the fire. Additional equipment and hose were removed and returned so that it can be reused in areas of need.
As fuels dried today, firefighters observed increased smoke and fire activity in the eastern section of the fire. Crews continued to assess terrain, fire behavior and scout potential access routes for engagement opportunities along the east. Meanwhile, aerial resources dropped fire retardant, assisting in moderating fire behavior.
The Tahoe Hotshots sustained their spike operation and direct suppression work, starting south of the fire, crossing the Borrego Trail and working their way northeast. To the north of the incident, firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving contingency lines. Crews worked along Forest Road 667 and Rio Medio where mastication and road preparations are underway.
Structure protection resources continued patrols and assessments around communities and private land near the fire. Initial attack resources also remained available to respond to any new fire starts following recent lightning across the area.
Air Quality: Tonight, good air quality is expected from Taos to Santa Fe, and Española to Nambe, with generally light smoke impacts across the area. Mora and the Highway 518 corridor should also remain good throughout the day. For current air-quality information in your community, visit fire.airnow.gov.
Weather: Hotter and drier conditions returned to the fire area today, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 80s and relative humidity dropping to 20-30%. Thunderstorm activity was limited, allowing fuels to dry throughout the day.
Evacuations: In Santa Fe County, all of Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon, and the Borrego Mesa area—specifically near Forest Roads 440 and 306—are in “Set” status. Nambe Pueblo Lake remains in “Ready” status. For more information, please visit https://www.santafecountynm.gov/fire
In Rio Arriba County, the community of Cordova remains in “Ready” status. For more information, please call the office of the County Fire Chief at 505-747-6367.
Closures: 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.
The Santa Fe National Forest issued a temporary forest closure to include the Pecos Wilderness area on the Espanola Ranger District for the Frijoles Fire. The forest order closure and map can be found or 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
NM Fire Info 
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