Canyon Venado Fire -
Torrance County - Final update
June 26, 2026
Update: Yesterday, crews made good progress reinforcing fire line around the entire perimeter and knocking down pockets of fire activity. Today, all lines continue to hold, and crews continue to mop up and monitor for interior heat. This will be the last update unless there are significant changes.
The Canyon Venado Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 south of I-40 east of Clines Corners. Currently, the fire is estimated to be 908 acres and is 20% contained.
Evacuations / Closures: None.
Weather: Currently 68 degrees, 51% RH, northwest winds 17 mph. Today, showers and thunderstorms possible; high near 86; west wind 10-15 mph becoming 20-25 mph in the afternoon with gusts to 30 mph. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms possible; low around 55; west wind 15-20 mph decreasing after midnight.
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Acres: 908 estimated.
Containment: 20%
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: Structures threat has passed.
Resources: Forestry Division, Torrance County, Santa Fe County, Los Alamos County, City of Santa Fe, City of Rio Rancho, federal resources. Total personnel: 120.
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For fire updates, visit the Forestry Division Facebook and New Mexico Fire Information.
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
