Non-Local News Releases

Silver City, NM — New Mexico State Senator Gabriel Ramos (R-Silver City) today called out U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez for what he described as a troubling but predictable pattern: saying whatever is politically convenient, then doing the opposite when it matters for New Mexicans.

"Gabe Vasquez marched in the streets and called for defunding the police -- on camera, in his own words," said Senator Ramos. "Then he went to Congress and voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security. He called the crisis on our southern border a 'non-existent threat,' while officers right here in New Mexico were pulling fentanyl off the roads and keeping our families safe. And now, right on schedule as the election approaches, his staff has to remind him to post something nice about law enforcement. New Mexicans are not fooled."

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. 

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. 

Deer Canyon Fire -
Torrance County - Update

June 23, 2026  

Update: Yesterday, crews worked to suppress fire activity along the eastern perimeter with support from aerial water drops, enabling resources to raise containment to 15%. 

Today, fire activity remains low, and crews are able to fully access the eastern edge and areas that remain active. Some unburned pockets continue to burn and send up smoke but aren't currently posing a threat. Containment is expected to rise again today.  

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 remain in place for today's warmer, drier weather.  

Special Hunt Auction and 

Enhancement Raffle ends soon!

**Bidding for the Governor's Special Hunt Auction closes at

8 p.m. MDT Tuesday, June 23 (today)**

**Enhancement Deer Tag Raffle ends at

noon MDT on Thursday, June 25**

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. 

CLAYTON, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife will close the Stephen M. Bush Memorial Shooting Range in Clayton, New Mexico, at sunrise on Wednesday, June 24 to allow contractors to safely perform repairs and maintenance..

Public access to the range will be completely restricted on June 24. The range will reopen at sunrise Thursday, June 25.

Other closures may occur as needed for repairs. Please refer to the range open or closed sign when entering the property. The public can also inquire with Cody Johnston, shooting program coordinator, at 505-412-7785 about range status.

The Department wants to remind the public to recreate responsibly, pack out all of your shooting trash, including shell casings and targets, and not shoot at glass or other items not designed to be shot at on the range.

Osha Canyon Fire - June 21 Update

North Sandia Mountain Wilderness – Sandia Ranger District

(Albuquerque, NM – June 21, 2026) — Firefighters continue with direct extinguishment strategy on the Osha Canyon Fire within the northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness on the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. 

Operations: Yesterday fire crews focused on securing containment lines and mopping up along the fire perimeter. With 100% containment recorded yesterday afternoon, some resources were released from the Osha Canyon fire to assist with other wildfires burning in the state. Today, Mt Taylor Ranger District Crew 3-2 is on scene at the Osha Canyon Fire to patrol containment lines and work on mopping up interior hot spots. Aviation resources will continue to support fire operations.