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Jun 24, 2026

Canyon Venado Fire - Torrance County - Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Emery Veilleux

Communications Coordinator

emery.veilleux@emnrd.nm.gov

505-699-1172

Contact: George Ducker

Communications Manager

george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov

505-699-0601

Canyon Venado Fire -

Torrance County - Update

Update: Yesterday, air resources dropped retardant to suppress fire activity, and crews reinforced fires lines to protect values at risk. Fire behavior moderated overnight. Today, crews are continuing to protect structures and building and securing fire line, tying into wind farm roads. Air resources will be utilized depending on fire activity throughout the day.

The Canyon Venado Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 south of I-40 near Clines Corners. Currently, the fire is estimated to be 852 acres and is 0% contained.

Evacuations: None at this time.

Closures: I-40 eastbound has been reopened.

Weather: Currently 80 degrees, 14% RH, northwest winds at 10 mph. Today, sunny with a high near 91; north wind 5-15 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Tonight, 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m.; partly cloudy, with a low around 56; southeast wind 5-15 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

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Acres: 852 estimated

Containment: 0%

Start Date / Time: Tuesday, June 23 at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper.

Cause: Under investigation.

Location: South of I-40 east of Clines Corners.

Ownership: State and private.

Structure Threat: Wind farms and structures threatened.

Resources: Forestry Division, Torrance County, Santa Fe County, Los Alamos County, City of Santa Fe, City of Rio Rancho, federal resources, air resources. Total personnel: 140.

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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information .

Visit NM Fire Info

Health and safety

Smoke : Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking portal and zoom in on the latest smoke conditions on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map .

Safety : The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health Environmental Public Health Tracking website . The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is available via Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition .

This ListServ is a service of the New Mexico Forestry Division . The information provided on this e-mail alert focuses on wildfires on state and private land and fires within the jurisdiction of the Forestry Division. This email alert is presented for information purposes only. Residents near the fire are urged not to travel into that area for their own safety and the safety of emergency responders.

For information on wildfire prevention and preparedness, click here .

Connect with the Forestry Division

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department - Forestry Division retains lead responsibility for wildland fire management on all non-federal, non-Tribal, and non-municipal lands. The Division promotes healthy, sustainable forests and watersheds in New Mexico for the benefit of current and future generations.

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1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505

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