The McCauley Springs Fire has grown to 150 acres with zero containment in the Jemez Mountains, prompting evacuations, road and campground closures, and growing concern from nearby communities — including Jemez Pueblo.In an interview highlighting the fire’s impact, Jemez Pueblo Governor John Galvan said the situation is especially troubling because of drought conditions, the region’s wildfire history, and the threat to culturally significant areas.“Things concerning right now in this day and this summer weather with the drought conditions again,” Galvan said. “It’s very concerning with our neighbors that are in the way of the fires again, the threat of our culturally significant species, the cultural properties that are out there — those are in threat.”The fire is burning near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Ranger District, an area known for its popularity with tourists and outdoor visitors. Galvan said the uncertainty of wildfire behavior raises concern for places like the historic Village of Gisewa, also known as the Jemez National Historic Landmark, which holds cultural importance.“That’s a significant area,” Galvan said. “You never know the fire behavior. It may come down this way to impact the state monument up there, so hopefully they won’t get that far again, but it’s concerning.”Fire officials said the blaze started early Wednesday morning and spread quickly through rugged terrain, forcing a large response that includes crews on the ground and aircraft overhead. The cause remains under investigation.Officials said early air support was critical because of the fire’s location, and multiple agencies are now coordinating the response at incident command.Community members in Jemez Pueblo are watching closely, Galvan said, after seeing the smoke plume and remembering the damage caused by past fires like Las Conchas, Thompson Ridge and Cerro Pelado.“They saw the smoke plume coming out, so they’re very aware,” Galvan said. “Everyone’s wondering where’s the fire at, where is it going, and they’ve seen the impacts before.” Evacuations remain in place for Sierra de los Pinos and Jemez Falls Campground, while Los Alamos County is under ready status. Closures include Highway 4 from mile marker 27 to 40, Battleship Rock Campground, Jemez Falls Campground, Redondo Campground and Trail 137.
The McCauley Springs Fire has grown to 150 acres with zero containment in the Jemez Mountains, prompting evacuations, road and campground closures, and growing concern from nearby communities — including Jemez Pueblo.
In an interview highlighting the fire’s impact, Jemez Pueblo Governor John Galvan said the situation is especially troubling because of drought conditions, the region’s wildfire history, and the threat to culturally significant areas.
“Things [are] concerning right now in this day and this summer weather with the drought conditions again,” Galvan said. “It’s very concerning with our neighbors that are in the way of the fires again, the threat of our culturally significant species, the cultural properties that are out there — those are in threat.”
The fire is burning near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Ranger District, an area known for its popularity with tourists and outdoor visitors. Galvan said the uncertainty of wildfire behavior raises concern for places like the historic Village of Gisewa, also known as the Jemez National Historic Landmark, which holds cultural importance.
“That’s a significant area,” Galvan said. “You never know the fire behavior. It may come down this way to impact the state monument up there, so hopefully they won’t get that far again, but it’s concerning.”
Fire officials said the blaze started early Wednesday morning and spread quickly through rugged terrain, forcing a large response that includes crews on the ground and aircraft overhead. The cause remains under investigation.
Officials said early air support was critical because of the fire’s location, and multiple agencies are now coordinating the response at incident command.
Community members in Jemez Pueblo are watching closely, Galvan said, after seeing the smoke plume and remembering the damage caused by past fires like Las Conchas, Thompson Ridge and Cerro Pelado.
“They saw the smoke plume coming out, so they’re very aware,” Galvan said. “Everyone’s wondering where’s the fire at, where is it going, and they’ve seen the impacts before.”
Evacuations remain in place for Sierra de los Pinos and Jemez Falls Campground, while Los Alamos County is under ready status. Closures include Highway 4 from mile marker 27 to 40, Battleship Rock Campground, Jemez Falls Campground, Redondo Campground and Trail 137.
