September 23, 2026 
Santa Fe, N.M., September 23, 2026 – The Frijoles Fire is 15,956 acres and 81% contained, with 36 personnel assigned. Crews have continued repairing areas affected by suppression activities, including control lines, roads and culverts. This work helps return disturbed areas to a more stable condition and allows water to move through existing drainage systems.
With significant rainfall expected this week, firefighters will evaluate conditions before continuing work. Operations may be modified or paused depending on rainfall, road conditions, soil saturation and other hazards. Firefighter safety will remain the priority.
Weather, Flooding & Safety: Several inches of rain are possible over the Frijoles Fire burned area in the next 72 hours. Sustained rainfall may cause flash flooding, rapid runoff and movement of ash, sediment, rocks and debris. Monitor National Weather Service and local sheriff’s office alerts. Avoid arroyos, streambeds and low-lying areas. Never drive through flooded roads. Move to higher ground immediately if water begins rising.
Frijoles Fire Recovery Open House: Community members are invited to the Frijoles Fire Recovery Open House Thursday, September 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Chimayo Elementary School gym, 37 County Road 93 in Chimayo. There will be no formal presentation. Community members can stop by anytime during the open house to speak one-on-one with local, state and federal representatives about post-fire recovery, flooding, erosion, water, and other questions.
The next Frijoles Fire update will be Friday, September 25, 2026, unless there are significant changes.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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