Frijoles Fire reaches 55% containment in Pecos Wilderness

The Frijoles Fire in the Pecos Wilderness has reached 55% containment as firefighting operations begin to shift toward repair and transition to the Southwest Areas Incident Management Team 4. The wildfire, which was ignited by lightning on August 4, 2026, covers approximately 15,252 acres.

Firefighting efforts include maintaining suppression operations, strengthening contingency lines, and improving existing roads. Hotshot crews are currently working northwest from the south of the fire.

Tragically, the firefighting community is mourning the death of Randy Lupe, a 62-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Lupe passed away following a medical emergency on Sunday while serving with a temporary emergency support crew.

Evacuation statuses remain in effect for parts of Santa Fe County, including Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon, and the Borrego Mesa area, which are in ‘Set’ status. Nambé Pueblo Lake is in ‘Ready’ status, and the community of Cordova in Rio Arriba County also remains in ‘Ready’ status. Air quality in the region varies from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups depending on the specific community.