safety
Bear Fire in Gila National Forest now at 97% containment
By Dave Burge at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The Bear Fire, burning in the Gila National Forest, is now at 97 percent containment, fire officials reported on Sunday, June 21. The fire, which is burning 18 miles southeast of Quemado, New Mexico, has impacted roughly 7,700 acres. The fire was first reported on June 9 ...
Key takeaway The fire, which is burning 18 miles southeast of Quemado, New Mexico, has impacted roughly 7,700 acres.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The containment of the Bear Fire in the Gila National Forest is welcome news for El Paso residents, who are no strangers to the risks of wildfires and their potential to spread across state lines. Although the fire is located in New Mexico, its proximity to the El Paso metro area means that local residents may still be affected by smoke and air quality issues. The fact that the fire has impacted roughly 7,700 acres of land also serves as a reminder of the devastating power of wildfires and the need for continued vigilance in preventing and responding to them. As the City of El Paso and surrounding areas are prone to Gulf hurricane and flooding risks, the fire's containment is a positive development in an otherwise potentially hazardous summer season. El Paso's own emergency management teams will likely remain on alert, prepared to respond to any potential wildfires that may arise in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The Bear Fire, burning in the Gila National Forest, is now at 97 percent containment, fire officials reported on Sunday, June 21. The fire, which is burning 18 miles southeast of Quemado, New Mexico, has impacted roughly 7,700 acres. The fire was first reported on June 9 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Burge at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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