Osita Draw Fire, Canyon Venado Fire -
Torrance County - Notification
June 23, 2026
Update: This afternoon, resources are engaging with two new wildfire starts south of Interstate 40 near Clines Corners in Torrance County. The Osita Draw Fire is located west of HWY 285 and is 100% contained.
The Canyon Venado Fire is south of Interstate 40 and east of HWY 285. It is active in dense piñon-juniper and grass fuels and exhibiting running, crowning and spotting behavior. Threats include a wind farm and structures within the area. State, county and federal resources are implementing full suppression tactics on both fires, including air support. Currently, the Osita Fire is estimated at 10 acres; the Canyon Venado Fire is estimated at 20 acres.
Evacuations: None at this time.
Closures: I-40 eastbound is closed at mile marker 218, per NM DOT.
Weather: Currently 89 degrees, 7% RH, west winds at 17 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 58; west wind 10-15 mph.
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Acres: Osita Draw: 10 acres estimated | Canyon Venado: 20 acres estimated.
Containment: Osita Draw: 100% | Canyon Venado: 0%
Start Date / Time: Tuesday, June 23 at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper.
Cause: Under investigation.
Location: South of Interstate 40 near Clines Corners. Osita Draw: East of HWY 285 | Canyon Venado: West of HWY 285.
Ownership: State and private.
Structure Threat: Wind farms and structures threatened.
Resources: Multiple state, county and federal resources, Torrance County, air resources. Total personnel: 70.
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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.
