"The Frijoles fire’s explosive growth—over 15,000 acres in less than a month—combined with the high personnel and cost commitments, highlights the significant threat it posed to local communities and ecosystems."
The Frijoles wildfire, located 3 miles east of Cundiyo in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, was discovered on August 5, 2026 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The fire grew rapidly from 200 acres on August 6 to a peak of 15,956 acres on September 12, with containment rising from 0% to 81% by September 21. Early behavior was active and backing, escalating to extreme wind‑driven runs and spotting by August 11, then shifting to moderate and minimal activity as containment improved. Personnel peaked at 976 on August 22, and estimated costs climbed from $2 million to over $49 million as the fire expanded and resources were deployed.
Official source description: 3 Miles E from Cundiyo, NM
Minimal; Backing; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Santa Fe. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now in a minimal, smoldering phase and containment above 70%, general wildfire safety precautions remain advised, especially for residents within the 3‑mile radius of the fire’s perimeter.
IRWIN ID: {AD65FF54-337F-4938-AF35-BB1744CEBF48}
Discovered: Aug 5, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $49,377,036
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 23, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Frijoles Fire is 84% 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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