Canyon Venado Fire closes eastbound I-40 near Clines Corners

Eastbound Interstate 40 shut down near Clines Corners on June 23, turning a fast freeway run into a detour day for anyone crossing eastern New Mexico. Traffic was pushed off the interstate between mile markers 210 and 226 and onto U.S. Highway 285 while crews worked the Canyon Venado Fire, a blaze that was already about 40 acres and growing in wind-driven piñon, juniper and grass fuels east of Highway 285 and south of I-40.

RV drivers and long-haul vacation motorists were affected, especially with power crews also shutting off electricity east of Clines Corners because the fire was under a power line.

Two wildfire starts were active south of Interstate 40 that afternoon. The Osita Draw Fire, west of Highway 285, was already 100 percent contained, while the Canyon Venado Fire, south of I-40 and east of Highway 285, drew the bulk of the response. Total personnel on the two incidents reached 70, and crews were diverting substantial resources to keep the roadside fire from spreading farther into the corridor.

By June 24, air resources had dropped retardant and crews had reinforced fire lines to protect values at risk. Responders also tied into wind-farm roads to help secure the line. On June 25, the fire remained active near structures to the east and wind turbines inside the perimeter, with some interior heat torching and smoking in unburned islands.

By June 26, the Canyon Venado Fire had grown to 908 acres and was 20 percent contained. All lines were holding, crews were mopping up, and interior heat was still being watched. No evacuations were in place and no structures were currently threatened.