Deer Canyon 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
Deer Canyon Fire -
Torrance County - Update
June 21, 2026
Update: Yesterday, crews provided structure protection while air resources provided suppression with retardant drops. Overnight, all retardant lines held, and the fire's extreme activity moderated. Acreage was updated to 117 after more accurate mapping.
Today, crews and dozers are working to develop containment lines and continuing to provide structure protection. No structures have been impacted, but multiple structures are still threatened. All of Deer Canyon subdivision is now on evacuation orders.
The Deer Canyon Fire was discovered at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 in the Deer Canyon subdivision south of Mountainair. Currently, the fire is estimated to be 117 acreage and is zero percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evacuations / Shelters: Evacuations are in place for the Deer Canyon subdivision. A shelter has been established at 106 North Sunset, Mountainair. An animal shelter has been established at the Mountainair rodeo grounds, NM 107, Mountainair.
Weather: Currently 83 degrees, 9% RH, east winds at 7 mph. Today, sunny, with a high near 93; west wind 10-15 mph. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 15-20 mph decreasing to 5-10 mph in the evening.
###
Acres: 117 estimated.
Containment: 0%
Start Date / Time: Saturday, June 20 at 4 p.m.
Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper.
Cause: Under investigation.
Location: Deer Canyon subdivision south of Mountainair.
Ownership: Private.
Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened, no structures impacted.
Resources: Forestry Division, multiple state resources, multiple federal resources, Sandoval County, Los Alamos County, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Rio Communities, 2 interagency hotshot crews, multiple air resources. Total personnel: 140.
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.
Our mailing address is:
1220 S St Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list .
Click here to view this email in your browser .