JEMEZ SPRINGS, NM — Thanks to the relentless efforts of interagency hotshot crews and local emergency personnel, the McCauley Springs Fire is winding down. As of July 9, 2026, fire officials report 93% containment on the 716-acre blaze, which first ignited on June 24 just east of Battleship Rock.
While the immediate threat to our mountain communities has passed and residents of Sierra de los Pinos have safely returned home, the Santa Fe National Forest has extended a temporary closure order for the immediate fire area through August 11, 2026, to allow crews to complete critical safety and rehabilitation work.
The Good News: Low Burn Severity
A multi-disciplinary Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team recently completed a full assessment of the burn scar, bringing reassuring news for the long-term health of our beloved forest ecosystem:
- Over 80% of the fire area was mapped as low soil burn severity. This means the majority of the tree canopies and ground cover remain entirely intact, dramatically minimizing the long-term risk of severe erosion, mudslides, and catastrophic runoff.
- About 12% experienced moderate burn severity, leaving patchy ground cover loss.
- Less than 1% suffered high burn severity.
Because the severe damage was so limited, hydrologic impacts to our local watersheds are expected to be minimal. Mother Nature is already poised for a quick recovery as summer monsoons approach.
Recreation Status: What is Open vs. Closed
While Highway 4 has fully reopened to traffic, the forest layout looks a bit different right now. Fire officials have begun a phased reopening of popular recreation areas, though some highly impacted spots will remain locked down through at least mid-August.
| Reopened Areas (As of July 8) | Remaining Closed (Through Aug 11) |
|---|---|
| • Spence Hot Springs • Las Conchas Day Use Area • La Cueva Day Use Area • Dark Canyon & Rincon • Redondo Campground | • Battleship Rock Day Use • Jemez Falls Campground & Trailhead • San Diego Overlook • East Fork Trail (Battleship Rock to Hwy 4) • Forest Road 4B |
Campground Note: When Jemez Falls Campground eventually reopens, campsites 24, 26, and 28 will remain closed longer due to localized risks from rolling rocks and loose debris.
Monsoon Warnings & Public Safety
As the community transitions from fire suppression to forest recovery, local authorities are reminding residents and visitors to stay highly vigilant. The upcoming summer monsoon season introduces the threat of flash flooding. Heavy rains over even minor burn scars can cause sudden, rapid water runoff and debris flows downstream.
Additionally, if you are hiking near the perimeter of the reopened zones, watch out for “hazard trees” (loosened roots) and smoking stump holes.
Stage II Fire Restrictions remain strictly in effect across the entirety of the Santa Fe National Forest. Campfires, charcoal grills, and fireworks are completely prohibited. Let’s keep our village safe, support our local businesses as they bounce back from the closures, and give the land time to heal.
For real-time updates and maps, check the Santa Fe National Forest Alerts page or NM Fire Info.
