"The Frijoles fire’s rapid expansion—over 12,000 acres in just 12 days—combined with extreme fire behavior and significant resource commitment, highlights the potential threat to nearby communities and the challenges of managing large, fast‑moving wildfires in the region."
The Frijoles wildfire, located 3 miles east of Cundiyo in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, was first reported on August 6, 2026, and is a natural‑caused fire under the jurisdiction of the USFS. By August 20, the fire had expanded to 13,120 acres with 31% containment, employing 866 personnel and costing an estimated $15.5 million. The fire grew rapidly from 200 acres on August 6 to over 12,800 acres by August 18, with periods of extreme behavior including wind‑driven runs, crown fires, and long‑range spotting. Containment efforts intensified after August 13, when the first containment was recorded at 1%, and containment rose to 13% by the end of August 18 before reaching 31% on August 20. The incident remains active, with ongoing extreme behavior and continued personnel deployment.
Official source description: 3 Miles E from Cundiyo, NM
Minimal; Backing; Creeping; Flanking
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Santa Fe. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Given the current extreme fire behavior and ongoing growth, residents in the vicinity should remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and be prepared to evacuate if directed. General wildfire safety measures, such as maintaining defensible space and avoiding outdoor activities near the fire, remain essential.
IRWIN ID: {AD65FF54-337F-4938-AF35-BB1744CEBF48}
Discovered: Aug 5, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $4,912,036
Coordinates: 35.9087, -105.8482
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in NM.
The Frijoles Fire has burned 15,956 acres as of September 15, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Frijoles Fire is 74% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Frijoles Fire is burning in Santa Fe, NM.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Frijoles Fire remains active.
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