Mon Jul 07 21:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Laguna Wildfire Update: Firing Operations Continue, Smoke Impacts Expected in Rio Chama Valley**

**Coyote Ranger District, NM – July 6, 2025** – Fire crews continue to battle the Laguna Wildfire burning 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96, west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness in the Coyote Ranger District. Today’s efforts focused on strategic firing operations south of Laguna Peak, specifically along the east side of Forest Road 8 down to Forest Road 8KD. Firefighters completed both aerial and hand firing along the northern control line. Firing operations involve creating a bare soil line ahead of the fire and then burning the vegetation between that line and the active fire front to reduce fuel.

Weather forecasts predict showers and storms over the fire area this afternoon, with potential downburst winds exceeding 40 mph. While significant rainfall is not expected today, Monday brings a greater chance of storms, strong winds, and some wetting rainfall.

**Smoke Impact:**

Hot temperatures and persistent smoke are anticipated in the Rio Chama Valley and along NM State Highway 96, from Regina to Abiquiu. While winds will push smoke east during the day, light surface winds may slow smoke dispersal. Air quality in areas between the fire and Abiquiu may reach “UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS” levels this afternoon. Smoke is expected to settle in low-lying areas this evening, potentially reaching “UNHEALTHY” levels in the Rio Chama River valley and communities along NM State Highway 96. Smoke is expected to be slow to clear tomorrow morning. Residents sensitive to smoke are advised to take precautions.

**Safety & Closures:**

The health and safety of firefighters and the public remain the top priority. The public is urged to avoid the area. Drones are strictly prohibited due to the danger they pose to firefighting aircraft. A closure order (03-10-01-25-08) is in effect, encompassing all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the specified sections of 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. (See attached map for details.)

**Resources:**

Currently, the Laguna Wildfire is being fought with 2 hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack crew, 2 suppression modules, 6 engines, and 2 water tenders.

**Contact Information:**

For more information, please contact 505-607-0879 or claudia.brookshire@usda.gov. Updates are also available on X.com/SantafeNF, Facebook.com/santafeNF, and Inciweb-Laguna Wildfire.

**About the Forest Service:**

The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land and works to connect people to nature. It has a direct or indirect role in the stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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