OSO CANYON FIRE- Daily Update

Crews construct handline through rough terrain and weather

Acres: 30

Location: Oso Canyon, 2 miles northeast of Chicoma Mountain

Start Date: July 26, 2026

Containment: 0%

Fuels: Timber and brush

Personnel: 23

Cause: Unknown

Santa Fe, NM, July 28, 2026 — The Oso Canyon Fire was discovered during the early afternoon of July 26 west of Española in Rio del Oso Canyon near Chicoma Mountain on the Española Ranger District. The fire remains approximately 30 acres and is smoldering in steep, rocky terrain. Firefighters continue to contend with challenging conditions, including dense catclaw brush, standing snags, and heavy dead and down fuels within the Los Conchas Fire burn area, which increase hazards and complicate firefighting efforts.

Operations: Hand crews have engaged the fire directly, constructing handline around the fire perimeter and making steady progress throughout the day. Crews also established a sling site above the fire, allowing helicopters to efficiently deliver supplies and extract equipment using long-line operations. A type 3 helicopter provided aerial support slinging supplies and conducting reconnaissance flights around the fire. Afternoon thunderstorms brought gusty winds, rain, and lightning that temporarily slowed firefighting progress; however, the rainfall provided beneficial moisture that assisted crews in strengthening containment efforts.

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 partly sunny skies. Scattered thunderstorms are expected after 2:00 pm, producing frequent lightning, outflow winds 30–45 mph, and brief heavy rainfall. Expect rapid wind shifts and localized increases in fire behavior near thunderstorm outflows. Maintain situational awareness, monitor weather throughout the operational period, and confirm safety zones and escape routes prior to storm development.

Smoke: Smoke activity has gradually lessened with some still being visible from Espanola, Pojoaque, Ohkay Owingeh, and Mendenales.

Closures: No closures are in effect, however, 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