Containment Lines Held on the McCauley Springs Fire Despite Red Flag Warning

McCauley Springs Fire Daily Update: June 29, 2026

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3– MATT RAU – INCIDENT COMMANDER

Acres: 716                                            

Containment: 33%                                     

Start Date: June 24, 2026

Location: Jemez Ranger District, east of Battleship Rock                             

Cause: Undetermined

Fuels: Timber, grass & understory, hardwood litter                                               

Personnel: 398                                                                                                             

Highlights: Containment lines were tested during challenging weather conditions throughout the weekend. No critical threats to the line were discovered and firefighters continued to reinforce, secure, and mop up, keeping the fire contained to its current footprint. Smoke is expected to be visible in the area due to the rapid drying of fuels and continued warm weather.

For the safety of the public and firefighters; we ask that you respect the closure around the fire area to allow resources to complete important fire operations. Warm weather conditions continue to dry out fuels and resources are responding to hotspots as they arise.

Operations: Containment increased on the east side of the fire where significant mop-up depth was achieved. Firefighter’s attention was turned to the areas of smoke and heat that emerged. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are being utilized to assess heat in the area and help provide a rapid response to any new starts. Dry conditions and low relative humidity are expected for the next few days and firefighters are considering the larger landscape and topography as they make contingency plans.

Power has been restored to the community of Sierra de los Pinos, and water is currently being restored. Community members should pay attention to information channels in the next few days when they can return to their homes.

Weather: Today will continue to be sunny, with a high near 87°F. Breezy, with 10-20 mph winds and gusts up to 30 mph.

Smoke: Smoke is expected to increase due to the drying of fuels and may be visible from Albuquerque, U.S. 550, Jemez Springs, and surrounding communities. View an interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures: Highway 4 remains closed between mile marker 27 and 40. The Santa Fe National Forest has a temporary closure order for the area of the McCauley Springs Fire. The full closure can be viewed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/alerts. Battleship Rock Campground, Jemez Falls Campground, Redondo Campground, and Trail #137 remain closed.

Evacuations: Coordinating with Sandoval County, evacuations are in place: Go status (evacuate) – Sierra de los Pinos, and Jemez Falls Campground. An evacuation center for residents is located at Jemez Mountain Baptist Church in La Cueva. Ready status – Los Alamos County.

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

Phone Number: 505-273-6432 (7 a.m.-7 p.m.)

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-mccauley-springs-fire                            
Email: 2026.mccauleysprings@firenet.gov         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCauleySpringsFire/