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.
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.
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.
