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4d ago

Lightning‑Started Frijoles Fire Expands to 7,794 Acres and Triggers Local Evacuations

A California Complex Incident Management Team will take command to coordinate growing ground and air suppression as weather-driven conditions threaten erratic fire behavior.

With the Frijoles Fire expanding rapidly to 4,158 acres, Cundiyo residents face mandatory evacuations. Firefighters are striving to contain the blaze, while residents gather emergency bags.

Overview

  • The U.S. Forest Service reports the Frijoles Fire has burned 7,794 acres with 0% containment and is burning in steep ponderosa terrain in the Española Ranger District.
  • Santa Fe County ordered mandatory evacuations for Camino de Cañon in Cundiyo and set up a shelter at Pojoaque Valley Middle School for displaced residents.
  • Fire operations have grown to 182 personnel using bulldozers, hand crews, masticators, sprinkler systems and aircraft dropping water and retardant to protect homes, ranches and the Gorham Boy Scout Ranch.
  • A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place and a drone incursion recently threatened aviation safety and forced interruptions to suppression flights.
  • Hot, dry conditions with low humidity and the chance of thunderstorms and outflow winds are driving the decision to pursue full suppression and to stage additional resources that will arrive as the California Complex IMT assumes command.