Santa Fe National Forest Plans to Manage Lightning-Caused Laguna Wildfire

Couresty of NM Fire Info
By SFNFPAO

The 176-acre wildfire is in the Coyote Ranger District

Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are planning to actively manage the lightning caused Laguna Fire located in the Coyote Ranger District, 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Currently, 80 personnel are on the Laguna Wildfire.

The wildfire was first reported Wednesday June 25, 2025, and is burning in an area that has undergone the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and previously been thinned and treated with prescribed fire. The objectives for the Laguna Wildfire prioritize the safety of firefighters and the public while protecting water quality in watersheds, water systems, and springs by minimizing fire intensity and uncharacteristic severe fire effects.

Fire managers will start firing operations as early as this week with the aim of restoring the ecological process of fire across approximately 13,000 acres of forest land. To conduct a firing operation, firefighters cut away vegetation to make a line of bare soil ahead of a fire and then using aerial and hand ignitions burn the vegetation between that line and the actively burning fire front. “We manage fire-adapted landscapes, and the Laguna Wildfire is an opportunity to create a resilient ecosystem that reduces the future risk of catastrophic severe wildfire to communities,” stated Anthony Madrid, SFNF Deputy Forest Supervisor.

Fire managers evaluate various strategies for managing wildfires caused by lightning. These strategies can range from full suppression to actively managing the wildfire to restore its natural role in the landscape. Decisions regarding wildfire management are influenced by several factors, including firefighter safety, availability of resources, terrain, weather forecast, previous prescribed burns, vegetation management projects in the area, and potential threats to public safety and property.

SFNF leadership is collaborating with local communities, Tribes, and federal, state, and local agencies to reduce wildfire risk for private landowners in the area. There are currently no risks to nearby communities, and no evacuations will be necessary. A closure order for the area surrounding the Laguna Wildfire is expected to be issued for the safety of the public and firefighters.

When firing operations begin, smoke may be visible and impact communities on NM State Road 96 including Gallina and Coyote, and the towns of Abiquiu, Llaves, and Cuba. Motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution.
Laguna Wildfire updates will be provided on Inciweb, NM Fire Information, Santa Fe National Forest website, and social media (Facebook and X).

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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Laguna Wildfire Vicinity Map