Laguna

## Laguna Fire Report - July 28, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Laguna Fire ignited on June 25, 2025, near Gallina, New Mexico. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the fire has burned 17,413 acres and is 75% contained. On July 26, 2025, containment was reported at over 70%. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning through oak brush, piñon-juniper, and mixed conifer fuels. Over the past 72 hours, fire activity has increased due to hot and dry weather conditions, with smoke and single tree torching visible as interior pockets of unburned fuels are consumed. Gusty winds have also tested the fire perimeter. **Containment Efforts**: Firefighters are working to patrol, monitor, and enhance containment lines on the northern and eastern portions of the fire. Aerial operations, including the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and helicopters, are assisting ground crews with water drops and patrolling. Firefighting resources include crews, engines, helicopters, a UAS, and water tenders. Management of the fire is transitioning from a Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 to a Type 4 team on the Santa Fe National Forest. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Mandatory Evacuation Orders**: Gallina Ranch remains in GO evacuation status. **Evacuation Warnings**: No specific evacuation warning areas have been detailed in the provided information. **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: For information on evacuations in New Mexico, residents can visit www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Closure Order 03-10-01-25-09 is in effect, encompassing specific sections within Township 24N Range 1E, Township 24N Range 2E, Township 25N Range 1E, and Township 25N Range 2E of the New Mexico Principal Meridian within the Coyote Ranger District. The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety during firefighting operations. Forest Service Road 8 is undergoing repair work. **For more information, visit:** * [NM Fire Info](https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) (General New Mexico Fire Information) * [Santa Fe National Forest - Laguna Fire Updates](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/newmexico/fire-fighting/?cid=E56471) (Note: This is a general link to SFNF fire information; specific Laguna Fire pages may vary.) * [InciWeb - Laguna Fire](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7971/) (Note: InciWeb is a primary source for wildfire information; check for current updates.) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: While specific numbers of structures destroyed or damaged are not detailed, the fire has scorched grazing lands and threatened homesteads, a church, and a cemetery. **Livestock Impact**: Ranchers have reported instances of burned cattle, with some dead and others severely injured. Many animals are still missing. **Infrastructure Impact**: Repair work has been completed on Forest Road 151, a primary travel corridor for fire personnel. Repair work is also ongoing on Forest Service Road 8. **Notable Impacts**: The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, initially under a GO evacuation status, has been reduced to READY status. **Safety Concerns:** **Air Quality**: Smoke from the fire has been visible, impacting air quality in nearby communities, including along the Rio Chama. Air quality has fluctuated, with some areas briefly reaching "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" levels. Residents are advised to monitor smoke conditions via fire.airnow.gov. **Burn Bans/Fire Restrictions**: No specific burn bans or fire restrictions have been detailed in the provided information for the immediate Laguna Fire area. However, general fire restrictions may be in place across the region. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: With 75% containment achieved as of July 28, 2025, efforts are focused on strengthening existing containment lines and patrolling the fire perimeter. The fire was tested over the last two days by higher temperatures, low humidity, and varying wind directions, but remained within planned containment lines due to the efforts of firefighters. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are forecasted for the coming week, with monsoon conditions expected to strengthen midweek. Temperatures are expected to climb, and humidity will remain low, with possible gusty winds. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Laguna Fire was caused by lightning. **Weather and Climate**: The fire's behavior has been influenced by hot and dry conditions, with rising temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds contributing to increased fire activity and smoke production. The return of monsoon moisture is expected to bring thunderstorms and potentially influence fire behavior in the coming week. ### For more information, visit: * [NM Fire Info](https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) * [InciWeb - Laguna Fire](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7971/) * [Santa Fe National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/newmexico/fire-fighting/?cid=E56471)

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