Evacuation Closure Limits Access to Deer Canyon Fire Area, Residents and Press Report Confusion at the Line

The Deer Canyon Fire, burning south of Mountainair since Saturday, June 20, 2026, has prompted an evacuation closure that residents and at least one journalist say has been enforced inconsistently at the perimeter, even as a New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division official confirmed the order originated with the fire's initial attack incident commander.

As of the most recent figures available from Mountainair EMS Chief Josh Lewis and New Mexico Fire Information, the fire was estimated at 350 acres with zero percent containment, burning in grass and piñon-juniper fuels in the Deer Canyon Preserve, a gated conservation community. Evacuations remain in place for Deer Canyon Road between Daklugie Trail and Jumano Trail. A shelter was established at the Mountainair Multipurpose Building, 106 North Sunset in Mountainair, with an animal shelter at the Mountainair Rodeo Grounds. The Multipurpose Building shelter, however, has since closed.

Closure Order Traced to Incident Command

Emery Veilleux, public information officer for the EMNRD Forestry Division, said in response to a Dispatch inquiry that the access restriction was relayed through the fire's initial attack incident commander. Veilleux did not identify the commander, and the Forestry Division had not publicly named an incident commander for the fire as of 12:44 PM on June 21, 2026.

Veilleux said no non-residents are currently being allowed beyond the closure without an escort while resources continue working the fire, and that local first responders are also required to have an escort.

"Those orders were relayed through the initial attack incident commander," Veilleux said. "No non-residents or emergency responders are being allowed beyond the closure without an escort as resources are working on the fire."

Reporter Denied Access Without Written Order

Mountainair Dispatch reporter Todd Brogowski was stopped by Torrance County Sheriff's Office Deputy Shackelford near the closure line Sunday morning and told that only residents and first responders were being permitted past the line. Deputies on scene said the directive came from TCSO Sergeant Saavedra, who told them he was relaying instructions from above without further detail on the source.

Shackelford, who was cooperative throughout the exchange, said he had not pressed Saavedra on where the order originated. No written order barring access was presented at the time.

Residents Report Being Denied Access to Properties

Two residents independently told the Dispatch that sheriff's deputies denied them access to their properties in the closure area on Sunday morning, June 21, 2026. Both residents asked not to be named, citing concerns about retaliation from local law enforcement.

One resident said he was told he would face trespassing charges if he attempted to return to his property.

A second resident told the Dispatch they were informed by a deputy that they were not allowed back into the area, though they did not report being threatened with trespass charges specifically.

The Dispatch has asked the EMNRD Forestry Division whether the no-escort policy described by Veilleux applies to residents attempting to return to their homes, and will update this story when a response is received.

What Residents Should Know

Residents in the Deer Canyon area should continue to monitor official channels, including NM Fire Info and the EMNRD Forestry Division Facebook page, for updates on evacuation status and containment.

Torrance County residents are also encouraged to sign up for TextMyGov emergency alerts to receive real-time notifications tailored to their needs:

• Text TORRANCE COUNTY to 80946 for general notifications and emergency alerts.
• Text TORRANCE FIRE ALERTS to 80946 for information on prescribed burns or active fires in the area.
• Text TORRANCE NWS to 80946 to receive weather-related alerts.

For background on wildfire risk and preparedness in Torrance County, see the Dispatch's prior coverage on Wildfire Awareness Month.

This is a developing story. The Dispatch will update as more information becomes available.

Update 2:15 PM on June 21, 2026:

Mayor Responds, Does Not Address Resident Access Question

Mayor Peter Nieto posted a statement Sunday afternoon stating that "local law enforcement agencies will not retaliate against individuals" and urging residents to comply with the evacuation order. The statement did not address whether the escort requirement described by Veilleux applies to residents attempting to return to their own homes within Deer Canyon Preserve, whether within or outside the evacuation zone, which remains the central question raised by residents who spoke to the Dispatch. The Dispatch has sent written questions on this point to Nieto and Veilleux.