SFNF NEWS RELEASE

Acres: 30

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 now 30 acres, and smoke is visible from Espanola, Pojoaque, Ohkay Owingeh, and Mendenales.

Operations: 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. Smoke jumpers dropped into the fire late yesterday afternoon. Today they will engage directly with the fire while hand crews continue to scout the perimeter of the fire strategizing the best location for line construction. Several aerial assets are engaged on the fire conducting retardant and water drops.

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 89°F with increasing cloud cover through the afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms expected after 2:00p, bringing frequent lightning, outflow winds 30–45 mph, and brief heavy rainfall. Expect rapid wind shifts and localized increases in fire behavior near storm cells. Crews will maintain situational awareness, identify safety zones and escape routes, and monitor weather for changing conditions throughout the operational period.

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