Deer Canyon Fire -
Torrance County - Update
June 22, 2026
Update: Overnight, fire activity subsided and resources were able to engage more directly with suppression efforts. Today, crews and dozers are able to gain access around the perimeter and are engaging with the northern edge where the fire remains more active. Helicopters are providing water drops in remote areas. Containment is expected to rise throughout the day.
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 will remain in place ahead of warmer, drier weather forecasted for Tuesday.
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 0% 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 84 degrees, 7% RH, west winds at 14 mph with gusts to 23 mph. Today, sunny with a high near 92; east wind 5-10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 58; southwest wind 5-10 mph becoming light and variable.
Acres: 117 estimated.
Containment: 0%
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.
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.
