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.
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.
