Frijoles Fire Forces Evacuations in Cundiyó, New Mexico

What Happened?

Fire officials have ordered immediate evacuations for residents living on Camino de Cañon Street in Cundiyó, New Mexico. This order came as the Frijoles Fire grew rapidly overnight, putting homes in danger.

IMPORTANT: If you live on Camino de Cañon Street, leave now. Do not wait.

Understanding the Alert Levels

Fire officials use different words to tell people how much danger they’re in. Think of it like a traffic light:

Status	What It Means	What To Do
READY	Fire is in the area but not close yet	Get prepared, pack your bags
SET	Fire is getting closer	Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice
GO	Danger is here now	Leave immediately

Right now:

Camino de Cañon Street = GO (Leave now!)
Rest of Cundiyó = READY (Get prepared)

About the Fire

How It Started

The Frijoles Fire was started by lightning — nature’s way of starting fires during thunderstorms.

How Fast It’s Growing

Sunday: 2,000 acres (about 1,500 football fields)
Monday: Nearly 3,300 acres (about 2,500 football fields)
Growth: The fire doubled in size overnight
Containment: 0% — meaning firefighters haven’t been able to draw a line around it yet

Where It Is

As of Monday afternoon, the fire was about 2½ miles away from Cundiyó. That might sound far, but wildfires can move very fast — especially with wind.

Who’s Fighting It

More than 100 firefighters are working hard to stop the fire before it reaches the town.

What Residents Are Doing

Ashley Ponce (lives ~2 miles from fire)

"It’s a little scary… more being nervous too, just kinda not knowing what’s going to happen."

Julian Cordova (prepared to leave)

Julian has two kids and has already packed everything:

All kids’ belongings in bags
All clothes in bags
Vehicles and trailers loaded and ready
Plan: "If they say go, get all our stuff in the trunk and get out of here"

Fire-Proofing His Home

Julian is also working to protect his house:

Cleaning up dry leaves and branches around the house
Removing anything an ember (a tiny piece of burning wood that flies through the air) could land on and start a fire
He even recorded video of ash falling in his yard

Where To Go If You Evacuate

Emergency Shelter

Pojoaque Valley Middle School Gym
1797 State Road 502

This shelter is open for anyone who needs a safe place to stay.

How To Stay Informed

Sign Up for Alerts

Santa Fe County uses Alert Santa Fe — their official emergency alert system.

IMPORTANT: Sign up now to get text messages or calls about:

Evacuation orders

Road closures

Shelter locations

When it’s safe to return home

What To Pack In Your "Go-Bag" (Emergency Kit)

If you’re in READY status (or any status!), pack a bag with 3 days of essentials:

For Everyone

Medications (prescription medicines you take daily)
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Food (non-perishable — granola bars, canned food, peanut butter)
Cash or traveler’s checks (ATMs might not work)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

For Babies & Kids

Infant formula
Diapers
Wipes
Favorite toy or blanket (comfort items help!)

For Pets

Pet food (3 days’ worth)
Pet medications
Leash/carrier
Pet ID tags

Important Documents (if time allows)

IDs, insurance papers, birth certificates
Phone chargers + portable battery pack
Flashlight + extra batteries

Step-by-Step: What To Do Right Now

If You’re on Camino de Cañon Street (GO Status)

Leave immediately — don’t wait to pack
Grab your go-bag if it’s already packed
Get in your car and go to the shelter or a safe location
Check Alert Santa Fe for updates on which roads are open

If You’re in the Rest of Cundiyó (READY Status)

Pack your go-bag right now (use the checklist above)
Park your car facing forward in the driveway (ready to leave)
Move flammable items (propane tanks, firewood, dry leaves) away from your house
Sign up for Alert Santa Fe if you haven’t already
Stay tuned to local news and official alerts
Be ready to leave in 5 minutes if status changes to SET or GO

Summary

Camino de Cañon Street: EVACUATE NOW (GO status)
Rest of Cundiyó: GET READY (READY status)
Frijoles Fire: Lightning-caused, doubled to ~3,300 acres, 0% contained
100+ firefighters battling the blaze
Shelter: Pojoaque Valley Middle School Gym (1797 State Road 502)
Stay informed: Sign up for Alert Santa Fe
Pack a go-bag: 3 days of essentials for people, pets, and babies

FAQ

1. What does "0% containment" mean?

It means firefighters haven’t yet created a controlled line around the fire to stop it from spreading. The fire is still moving freely.

2. Can I stay to protect my house?

No. When a GO order is issued, it means danger is imminent. Firefighters need roads clear, and your life is more important than property. Leave immediately.

3. What if I don’t have a car?

Contact Santa Fe County Emergency Management immediately through Alert Santa Fe or call 911. They can help arrange transportation.

4. How will I know when it’s safe to go home?

Officials will announce it through Alert Santa Fe, local news, and at the evacuation shelter. Do not return until you get official word.

5. My pet is scared and hiding. What should I do?

Try to gently get them into a carrier or on a leash. If you absolutely cannot find them, leave anyway and tell firefighters/shelter staff. They have teams that can help rescue pets later.

Stay safe, stay informed, and listen to official instructions. Your life matters most.

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