Wildfire in South Central Highlands, New Mexico

The lightning caused Deer Canyon Wildfire was discovered along the north and west mesa near the Deer Canyon Subdivision south of Mountainair. Evacuation orders were given for Deer Canyon Road between Daklugie Trail and Jumano Trail, lasting until the 21st. Critical fire weather conditions allowed the fire to grow to a total acreage of 117 acres before it came under control on the 24th. While homes and structures were threatened, there were no reports of damage or destruction caused by the fire.

The lightning caused Rio Wildfire grew rapidly in an extremely remote area of the northeastern Jemez Mountains, north of Los Alamos, NM. The fire was discovered June 16th and persisted until the 24th when full suppression activities brought it under control. Lightning also caused the Deer Canyon Wildfire two days later on the 20th south of Mountainair, threatening homes in the Deer Canyon Subdivision. Evacuations were ordered for residences in the area before the fire came under control on the 24th.