The Laguna Fire took a turn on Sunday, prompting Rio Arriba County officials to designate the Rural Events Center in Abiquiú as an evacuation site.
Gallinas Ranch was updated to “Go” status on Saturday and residents were asked to evacuate animals and open gates so livestock could escape, if needed, according to a Facebook post by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office. Residents were also instructed to load emergency supply kits and evacuation bags (including pet kits) into their vehicles and park facing the road for a quick exit.
“You don’t need to wait for an evacuation order,” the post said. “If you feel threatened, then evacuate early.”
The Laguna Fire, which started on June 25 after a lighting strike, has claimed 14,700 acres as of Sunday and continues to burn with 45% containment. It was 48% contained on July 7.
A closure order is in place for all U.S. Forest Service land, roads and trails within Township 24N Range 1E Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 223, 24, 25 and 26 according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service. Closures are also in place for Township 24N Range 2E Sections 4-9 and Sections 14-32 and Township 25N Range 1E Sections 25, 35, 36 and Township 25N Range 2E Sections 30-32 of the New Mexico Principal Meridian. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/alerts/laguna-wildfire-closure-order to view the complete closure.
Gallinas Ranch remains in the “Go” evacuation status, while the Monastery of Christ in the Desert remains in “Set” status.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing Laguna Fire and the severe impact it has had on many residents of Rio Arriba County,” County Manager Jeremy Maestas said Monday in an email. “This has been a devastating event for our communities, and our hearts go out to those who have been affected. We are actively monitoring the situation and remain in close communication with the U.S. Forest Service, the American Red Cross, and our local law enforcement agencies, and also with our Federal delegation. The safety and well-being of our residents remains our highest priority.”
He said as a precaution, they designated the Rural Events Center as a potential evacuation site over the weekend.
“While it has not yet been requested for use, it remains ready should the need arise,” he wrote.
“We encourage residents to stay alert, follow official updates, and be prepared to act if conditions change. We thank our first responders and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts during this critical time, and we remain hopeful that they can extinguish this fire soon.”
The fire is located eight miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, in the Coyote Ranger District.
Smoke continues to cause hazy conditions in Gallina, Santa Fe, Cañones, Taos, Los Alamos and Abiquiú.