USFS News:

Acres: 712                                        

Containment: 43%                                     

Start Date: June 24, 2026

Location: Jemez Ranger District, east of Battleship Rock                   

Cause: Undetermined

Fuels: Timber, grass & understory, hardwood litter                                           

Personnel: 384                                                                                                                                              

Highlights: While the fire remains smoldering and creeping through dry fuels, suppression efforts by firefighters have kept the fire within the previous footprint, allowing for resources to begin looking forward at next steps. Among the next steps is the repopulation of the community of Sierra de los Pinos. We will work closely with Sandoval County to facilitate the safe return of the community to their homes starting at 10 a.m. today.

Please respect the current fire area closure as the local communities enter their homes and traffic is routed through Highway 4. Many resources will be supporting this transition as well as continuing to actively suppress the fire. For full details on the repopulation procedure, please visit https://www.sandovalcountynm.gov/event/landfill-closed-on-september-5-2026-2-2-2-2-2/.

Operations: Successful operations allowed for increased containment of the northern part of the fire near Highway 4 while Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) help firefighters locate and extinguish hot spots throughout the fire footprint. Firefighters will continue to surveil the fire area in order to identify areas of heat that could compromise the integrity of existing fire lines. Looking forward, a suppression repair plan is in place. Fire response includes the repair and restoration of the fire area. With the McCauley Springs Fire remaining within its footprint through challenging weather conditions, resources can look ahead towards repair.

Fire restrictions: Statewide fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires, fireworks, smoking, debris burning, and oil and gas flaring are banned on all non-municipal, non-federal, and non-Tribal lands. In addition, the entirety of the Santa Fe National Forest remains in Stage II fire restrictions. No campfires, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fires are allowed on the Santa Fe National Forest. Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

Weather: Today will be sunny, with a high near 85°F. South and southwest winds 5-10 mph becoming 12-17 mph in the afternoon with gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 10% chance of thunderstorms.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Albuquerque, U.S. 550, Jemez Springs, and surrounding communities. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures: The closure of the fire area remains in effect. The full closure can be viewed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/alerts.

Evacuations: Evacuations have been lifted for the community of Sierra de los Pinos. 

Safety: No drones or aircraft are allowed to fly in the area. If you fly, they can’t.