Deer Canyon Fire - Torrance County - Update 6/23
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 23, 2026
Update: Yesterday, crews worked to suppress fire activity along the eastern perimeter with support from aerial water drops, enabling resources to raise containment to 15%.
Today, fire activity remains low, and crews are able to fully access the eastern edge and areas that remain active. Some unburned pockets continue to burn and send up smoke but aren’t currently posing a threat. Containment is expected to rise again today.
No structures have been impacted, but homes in the immediate area are still at risk. Evacuation status for Jumano Trail remains at Set; all other Deer Canyon residents are in Ready status. Statuses remain in place for today’s warmer, drier weather.
The Deer Canyon Fire was discovered at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 in the Deer Canyon subdivision south of Mountainair. Currently, the lightning-caused fire is estimated to be 117 acres and is 15% contained.
Evacuations / Shelters: Jumano Trail is in Set status; all other Deer Canyon residents are in Ready status. Residents are allowed to return to their homes with identification. The evacuation shelter and livestock shelter have closed.
Weather: Currently 81 degrees, 14% RH, east winds at 6 mph. Today, sunny, with a high near 94; west wind 5-10 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 61; west wind 5-10 mph.
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Acres: 117 estimated.
Containment: 15%
Start Date / Time: Saturday, June 20 at 4 p.m.
Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper.
Cause: Lightning.
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, Mountainair Fire and Rescue, Torrance County, Sandoval County, Los Alamos County, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Rio Communities, 2 interagency hotshot crews, multiple 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.
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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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