New Mexico

Laguna Fire: 15,714 acres; 40% contained in northern New Mexico

Published

8 months ago

July 16, 2025

Laguna Fire: 15,714 acres; 40% contained in northern New Mexico

The Laguna Fire has burned 15,714 acres in northern New Mexico and is 40% contained, as of an update fire managers provided Wednesday.

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Laguna Fire has burned 15,714 acres and is 40% contained in the Santa Fe National Forest in northern New Mexico, as of an update fire managers provided Wednesday.

Lightning started the Laguna Fire June 25 in an area four miles northeast of Gallina, New Mexico. 291 firefighters are responding to the fire as five crews and with eight engines, four helicopters, an unmanned aircraft, three water tenders, two dozers and four ambulances. The fire is burning oak brush, piñon-juniper and mixed conifer.

The Santa Fe National Forest provided this map showing the containment of the fire:

Firefighters focused on patrolling hazards, reinforcing containment lines and protecting areas at risk Tuesday. On the northwestern edge of the fire, firefighters continued monitoring the perimeter and assessed opportunities for further containment. Air resources also provided water drops in that area.

In the central and eastern areas, crews assessed hotspots. They also worked to prevent further fire spread as they say the area still holds heat.

Firefighters are in communities near the Rio Gallina and Rio Chama. They are monitoring conditions and addressing areas “that pose continued risk.”

Meteorologists predict hotter and drier weather for the Laguna Fire area Wednesday in New Mexico. They expect that to possibly increase the spread of fire and smoke.

Managers will focus on securing the containment line from the southeastern perimeter. They are prioritizing that area due to its steep terrain and importance as a watershed for nearby communities. An unmanned aircraft will help provide “aerial support and reconnaissance” to firefighters in the northern part of the fire.

Beyond Wednesday, meteorologists anticipate “a continued warming and drying trend” for the area. They expect more days with warmer temperatures and lower humidity. However, winds will be light throughout the day.

For the most up-to-date smoke information, you can visit this website. Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service also put a closure order in place for their lands in this area.

Gallina Ranch is still in “Go” evacuation status. The Monastery of Christ in the Desert remains in “Set” status. You can also find the latest Laguna Fire evacuations on the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department website.

Source link

Related Topics:Featured New Mexico Fires

Click to comment

New Mexico

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Regional gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.60 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.41 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Gas prices are jumping around because traders are trying to price in how long the Iran war will disrupt oil flows from the Middle East, on top of the usual spring run‑up in demand as driving season approaches. Markets are baking in higher risk and “additional volatility” but not a long-term shutdown, and prices could retreat if it becomes clear the tensions are short-lived, petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.

Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents a gallon is still likely in the weeks ahead.

The average fuel price in the Gulf Coast region rose about 107 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.37 on Jan. 5, 2026, and as high as $3.60 on March 23, 2026.

A year ago, the average gas price in the Gulf Coast region was 31% lower at $2.74 per gallon.

>> INTERACTIVE: See how your area’s gas prices have changed over the years at data.lcsun-news.com.

The average gas price in the United States last week was $3.96, making prices in the Gulf Coast region about 9.0% lower than the nation’s average. The average national gas price is higher than last week’s average of $3.72 per gallon.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s tally of prices in the Gulf Coast states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu.

Source link

New Mexico

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

Published

18 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

QUAY COUNTY, N.M. – A grass fire has burned an estimated 1,000-2,000 acres near San Jon in Quay County.

Emergency crews say the Old 66 Fire is threatening structures, and remains 0% contained.

The New Mexico Forestry Division said crews discovered the fire at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.

Smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and surrounding areas.

The fire is on private land and the cause remains under investigation.

State Road 469 is closed at Main Avenue. Officials said local residents should use caution and avoid the area.

Structures threatened include a wind farm to the southwest.

Source link