BREAKING: Mandatory Evacuations Ordered as Frijoles Fire Threatens Santa Fe
Fire Emergency in Cundiyó: What You Need to Know Right Now
The Big News: "GO" Means Leave Immediately
Fire officials have ordered everyone on Camino de Cañon Street in Cundiyó to evacuate right now. This is called a "GO" order — the most serious level of evacuation. It means danger is close, and you need to leave without waiting.
IMPORTANT: If you live on Camino de Cañon Street, grab your emergency kit and go now. Do not wait to see what happens.
Where to Go: Safe Shelter Location
Santa Fe County has opened a safe place for evacuees:
Pojoaque Valley Middle School Gym
1797 State Road 502
- Open to anyone who needs a safe place to stay
- You don’t need to live on the evacuation street to use it
- Bring your own supplies if you can
How to Stay Informed: Alert Santa Fe
The county sends emergency alerts through Alert Santa Fe — their official warning system.
Sign up right now if you haven’t already:
- Go to the Alert Santa Fe website or search "Alert Santa Fe" on your phone
- Enter your address and phone number
- Choose how you want alerts: text, call, or email
- Confirm your registration
Pro Tip: Sign up everyone in your household — kids, grandparents, roommates. More people getting alerts = safer community.
Understanding the Danger Levels
Fire officials use three simple words to tell you how worried to be:
| Status | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| READY | Fire is in the area but not close yet | Make a plan, pack a "go-bag" |
| SET | Fire is getting closer, be prepared to leave | Load car, review routes, stay alert |
| GO | Danger is here — leave NOW | Evacuate immediately |
- Camino de Cañon Street = GO (Leave now!)
- Rest of Cundiyó = READY (Get prepared)
What’s Happening with the Fire?
The Frijoles Fire — By the Numbers
- Cause: Lightning strike (nature started it)
- Size Sunday: 2,000 acres (about 1,500 football fields)
- Size Monday: Nearly 3,300 acres (doubled overnight!)
- Containment: 0% (firefighters haven’t surrounded any of it yet)
- Distance from Cundiyó: ~2.5 miles (as of Monday afternoon)
- Firefighters on scene: 100+
Fire Fact: When a fire "doubles overnight," it means it grew twice as big while people were sleeping. That’s why evacuation orders can change fast.
What Should Be in Your "Go-Bag"?
If you’re in READY status (rest of Cundiyó), pack this NOW:
Essentials for 3 Days
- Medications (prescription + basic pain relievers)
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Food (non-perishable: granola bars, canned goods, peanut butter)
- Cash or traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, hand sanitizer)
For Specific Needs
- Infants: Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
- Pets: Food, leash, carrier, vet records, medications
- Glasses/Contacts: Extra pair + solution
- Phone charger + portable battery pack
- Important documents (ID, insurance, medical info) in waterproof bag
Pro Tip: Keep your go-bag by the front door or in your car. In a "GO" situation, you grab it and go — no searching.
How Neighbors Are Preparing
Real people in Cundiyó are taking action:
Julian Cordova (dad of two): "All of our clothes is in bags… the vehicles, trailers, so pretty much if they say go, get all of our stuff in the trunk and get out of here."
Ashley Ponce (lives 2+ miles from fire): "It’s a little scary… just kinda not knowing what’s going to happen."
Smart Steps They’re Taking:
- Packing belongings in bags/boxes by the door
- Loading vehicles so they can leave in minutes
- Clearing dry leaves, pine needles, brush from around the house
- Wetting down roofs and decks if hoses reach
- Moving propane tanks/grills away from structures
Fire-Smart Tip: Embers can travel over a mile ahead of a fire. Clearing dry stuff around your home gives embers nothing to burn.
Step-by-Step: If You Get a "GO" Order
- Don’t panic — you prepared for this
- Grab your go-bag (already packed, right?)
- Load people + pets into vehicles
- Take one car per household if possible (reduces traffic)
- Follow official routes — don’t take shortcuts
- Drive to Pojoaque Valley Middle School or other safe location
- Check in at the shelter so they know you’re safe
- Text/call your emergency contact — let them know where you are
- Stay tuned to Alert Santa Fe for updates
- Do not return home until officials say it’s safe
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Camino de Cañon Street = GO ORDER → Evacuate now
- Rest of Cundiyó = READY → Pack go-bag, sign up for alerts, make a plan
- Shelter: Pojoaque Valley Middle School Gym, 1797 State Road 502
- Alerts: Sign up for Alert Santa Fe immediately
- Go-bag: 3 days of supplies for every person + pet
- Fire status: 3,300 acres, 0% contained, 2.5 miles away, growing fast
- 100+ firefighters working to protect homes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between "Ready," "Set," and "Go"?
Ready = Get prepared (pack bags, make plan). Set = Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice (car loaded, routes known). Go = Leave immediately — danger is here.
2. I don’t live on Camino de Cañon. Do I need to evacuate?
Not right now. The rest of Cundiyó is in READY status. But pack your go-bag today and sign up for alerts. Things can change fast.
3. What if I don’t have a car or can’t drive?
Call Santa Fe County Emergency Management or 911 (non-emergency line) right now. They can arrange transportation. Don’t wait until "GO" is called for your street.
4. Can I bring my pets to the shelter?
Yes! The shelter at Pojoaque Valley Middle School accepts pets. Bring leashes, carriers, food, and any medications.
5. How will I know when it’s safe to go home?
Only officials can say. They’ll announce it through Alert Santa Fe, local news, and at the shelter. Do not return just because the fire looks smaller or smoke clears.
Stay safe, Cundiyó. Look out for each other. Follow the orders. Things can be replaced — people can’t.