Oso Canyon, 2 miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain. Photo Courtesy SFNF

SFNF NEWS RELEASE

Acres: 10 
                                                                                                                                  
Start Date: July 26, 2026

Location: Oso Canyon, 2 miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain         

Fuels: Timber.

Containment: 0%                            

Personnel: 10

Cause: Unknown                       

The Oso Canyon Fire was discovered in the early afternoon on July 26 west of Espanola up the Rio del Oso Canyon near Chicoma Mountain on the Espanola Ranger District. It is estimated at10 acres, and smoke is visible from Espanola, Pojoaque, Ohkay Owingeh, and Mendenales.

This is a full suppression fire, and firefighters will be using a direct extinguishment strategy to contain and extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as conditions allow. Two engines and a fire crew are enroute to the fire. A helicopter conducted a scouting mission to get the exact location of the fire and estimate its size. More aerial and ground resources are on order. The fire is in a burned area from a previous fire and is burning through understory with periodic torching.

Safety: The primary objective for the Oso Canyon Fire is firefighter and public safety. No drones are allowed to fly in the area. Flying will force air resources to be grounded immediately. If you fly, they can’t.

Weather: Highs near 93°F with 20–30% RH. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms expected after 2:00 p.m. will  produce frequent lightning, gusty and erratic outflow winds 30–45 mph, and brief heavy rainfall. Expect wind shifting directions near storm cells with the potential for short duration increases in fire behavior.

Closures: No closures currently but people are asked to avoid the area and exercise extreme caution as firefighting operations are ongoing.

Fire Information:  facebook.com/santafeNF/  https://x.com/SantafeNF/ nmfireinfo.com