Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wildfire Smoke Blankets Northern New Mexico
Wildfire Smoke Blankets Northern New Mexico
11 Aug
Summary
- Frijoles Fire exceeds 4,000 acres, prompting evacuations.
- Air quality alerts issued for northern New Mexico.
- Over 100 firefighters battle the blaze; containment is 0%.
Emergency officials ordered immediate evacuations for residents of Camino de Cañon in Cundiyó, New Mexico, as the Frijoles Fire grew to over 4,000 acres. Smoke from the wildfire has blanketed much of north-central New Mexico, leading to air quality advisories. Santa Fe Public Schools are closely monitoring the situation, with some families choosing to keep children indoors during recess.
Over 100 wilderness firefighters are actively working to contain the Frijoles Fire, which is located in a rugged area of the Pecos Wilderness. Helicopters and air tankers are assisting in the efforts by dropping water and retardant. Nearby lakes, Nambé Lake and Santa Cruz Lake, are being used as water sources. The fire was reported at 0% containment as of Monday afternoon.
Prior to the evacuation order, Cundiyó and Cerro Piñon were placed on "Ready" status over the weekend, advising residents to prepare for potential evacuations. State health and environment departments are urging New Mexicans to limit outdoor exposure, especially if visibility drops. Individuals with health conditions are advised to exercise caution.
The current situation occurs amidst hot, dry weather conditions impacting New Mexico and the broader western United States, contributing to several other reported wildfires.
