A BAER soil scientist evaluates soil burn severity on the McCauley Springs Fire. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest has released the results of a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment following the McCauley Springs Fire, which began June 24 northeast of Jemez Springs and burned 716 acres in the Jemez Ranger District.
The fire is now 93% contained as of July 9, 2026.
A multi-disciplinary BAER team evaluated the burned area to identify risks to human life, property, and critical resources. Over 80% of the fire was mapped as low soil burn severity, meaning most tree canopies and ground cover remain intact, reducing the risk of erosion and runoff.
About 12% of the area showed moderate burn severity, with patchy ground cover loss and some water-repellent soils. Less than 1% was classified as high burn severity, where vegetation and soil were heavily impacted.
Hydrologic impacts are expected to be minimal due to the limited extent of moderate and high burn severity. Recovery will depend on vegetation regrowth and ground cover reestablishment.
The BAER team recommends installing warning signs and communicating hazards to visitors, such as burned stump holes and hazard trees.
A temporary closure is advised for a portion of Forest Road 4B, the most severely affected area. Jemez Falls Campground sites 24, 26, and 28 should remain closed until conditions improve, due to increased risk from rocks and debris
No treatments are recommended for trails within the burned area, as risks are considered low. The BAER assessment provides guidance for immediate stabilization measures and ongoing recovery efforts.
A temporary closure order is still in effect, and the upcoming summer monsoons can create hazards extending beyond the fire area. Everyone near and downstream from the burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events. Be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website.
For more information, the BAER summary for the McCauley Springs Fire is available on the Santa Fe National Forest website.
About the Forest Service:
The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
