Officials with the U.S. Forest Service announced Saturday that security has been increased around the base camp supporting crews fighting the Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico. After an unauthorised group tried to enter the camp on Friday night, the incident management team instituted round‑the‑clock protection.
Why the change in security
“We had security overnight, and now we have 24‑hour security,” said Delin Seelight of California Incident Management Team 8 in an interview with KOAT 7. The intruders reportedly harassed incident‑management personnel with perceived threats before leaving the area, according to Forest Service reports.
What the base camp provides
The camp serves as a recovery space for firefighters who often work shifts of up to sixteen hours. It offers shelter, meals and a place to rest between fire‑line assignments. With the fire now 45 percent contained, officials said the camp will remain secured until it is dismantled after the operation concludes.
Fire containment progress
FireNet reported “good progress” on Sunday, noting that the lightning‑started Frijoles Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres and is the third‑largest wildfire in New Mexico this year. Crews continue to work along the western edge of the fire, extinguishing remaining pockets of heat while additional resources are being reassigned to other incidents.
Evacuation status
Authorities have placed the Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon and Borrego Mesa areas—near Forest Roads 440 and 306—in “Set” status for evacuation. The nearby Nambe Pueblo Lake remains on “Ready” status, meaning residents should stay prepared for possible orders.
Looking ahead
State and federal agencies will keep monitoring weather conditions and fire behaviour. The increased security at the base camp underscores the importance of protecting both the safety of firefighters and the integrity of the incident‑management operation.
There were no injuries reported from the intrusion, and officials emphasized that the added security measures are a precautionary step while the fire continues to be contained.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
