Deer Canyon Fire update: Crews make progress as warmer weather threatens containment efforts
MOUNTAINAIR — Overnight activity on the Deer Canyon Fire subsided enough Sunday to allow ground crews and bulldozers to begin working the perimeter directly, with the most active suppression efforts now focused on the fire's northern edge, according to an update issued Monday morning by the New Mexico State Forestry Division.
Helicopters are conducting water drops in areas too remote for ground equipment to reach. Containment is expected to increase throughout the day, though the fire remains at 0% contained as of this update.
The fire was discovered at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in the Deer Canyon subdivision south of Mountainair. It is estimated to cover 117 acres and is attributed to lightning. Fuels include grass and piñon-juniper. The land is privately owned. Past estimates were that the fire covered 350 acres.
No structures have been impacted, but multiple homes in the immediate area remain at risk.
Evacuation status
Residents on Jumano Trail remain in Set status — meaning evacuation may be ordered at any time and residents should be prepared to leave immediately. All other Deer Canyon residents are in Ready status, meaning they should monitor conditions and be ready to act if the situation changes. Residents who have already evacuated are permitted to return to their homes with identification.
The evacuation shelter and livestock shelter have both closed.
Evacuation statuses will remain in place ahead of warmer, drier conditions forecast for Tuesday.
Weather conditions
As of this update, conditions at the fire area are 84 degrees with 7% relative humidity and west winds at 14 mph with gusts to 23 mph — conditions that favor continued fire activity. Today's forecast calls for a high near 92 degrees with east winds of 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon. Tonight should bring mostly clear skies and a low around 58 degrees with light and variable winds.
Resources on scene
An estimated 140 personnel are currently assigned to the Deer Canyon Fire, including:
- New Mexico State Forestry Division
- Mountainair Fire and Rescue
- Torrance County, Sandoval County, Los Alamos County
- City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Rio Communities
- Two interagency hotshot crews
- Multiple federal and state resources
- Multiple air resources