Wildfire in Tusas Mountains Including Chama, New Mexico

The Beehive fire began west of Tres Piedras, NM within the Tres Piedras Ranger District and just north of U.S. Highway 64 near the intersection with FR 133. Critical fire weather conditions allowed the fire to rapidly grow June 27th through 29th to 4,171 acres by the end of the month. There was little threat to property as the fire grew in a remote area of the Tusas Mountains along forest service roads. Smoke from the fire contributed to larger regional smoke concerns over the western CONUS, mainly in Colorado during this time.

The combination of severe to extreme drought conditions and multiple runs of critical fire weather conditions allowed two remote wildfires to rapidly grow during the last week of June 2026. The lightning caused Sacaton Fire began June 21st in a remote area of the Gila National Forest, while the Beehive fire began in a remote area of the Tusas Mountains June 26th, with both continuing into the month of July. While both fires produced some smoke concerns in the surrounding areas, neither was a threat to lives or property.