5 dogs quarantined after Mountainair exposure, officals to release new info Friday
MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. – Investigators say they could have answers within the next 24 hours about a mysterious substance that killed three people inside a Mountainair home and sickened more than two dozen others.
Officials are expected to provide an update Friday on what exactly caused the deadly incident, which has raised serious questions about exposure risks for both humans and animals.
Growing Impact: From victims to first responders
The incident began Wednesday when four people were found unresponsive at a home after coming into contact with an unknown substance. Two were declared dead on scene, and the other two were given Narcan, resuscitated and taken to UNM Hospital. One of them died after arriving at the ER. Initially reported as an overdose call, the situation quickly escalated.
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More than 25 people — including at least 18 first responders — were exposed and required quarantine at UNM Hospital. Most have since been released, but two individuals remain under observation as of Wednesday night.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said the town’s EMS chief, Josh Lewis, may have been among the most heavily exposed.
“He’s one of the first that went into the residence,” Nieto said. “That’s what we’re thinking — he was the one that got the most of it.”
Lewis was released from UNM Hospital Thursday afternoon and is reported to be doing well according to the Town of Mountainair Facebook page.
Animal quarantine underway
The effects of the mysterious substance have extended beyond humans.
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Four dogs that were inside the home are now in quarantine at Mountainair Animal Control, while crews continue searching for a fifth dog.
Staff members are taking significant precautions while caring for the animals.
“We’re wearing all of our PPE just to touch them,” said Jennifer Carter with Mountainair Animal Control. “Right now there are no symptoms. We’re just going to keep an eye on them for the next 10 days.”
So far, all the dogs appear healthy and symptom-free, but officials say they will continue monitoring them closely. If cleared by a veterinarian, the dogs may eventually be put up for adoption unless claimed by family members.
Hospital and community response
At UNM Hospital, dozens of potentially exposed individuals were quarantined as a precaution. While most have now been released, officials say the response is ongoing, with continued monitoring for anyone who may have come into contact with the substance.
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The incident has caused fear and uncertainty among those affected — including the quarantined animals.
“They’re grieving, they’re very scared,” Carter said. “They don’t know who I am or the volunteers, so they’re nervous and apprehensive. But we’ll win them over.”
Investigation expands with federal involvement
The case is now being led by New Mexico State Police, with assistance from multiple agencies including Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
FBI agents were seen at the home Wednesday, and officials confirmed that DEA agents conducted air quality testing in and around the property. Authorities have reassured nearby residents that the air is safe.
Key questions remain
With a news conference scheduled for Friday, investigators are expected to provide more clarity. Major questions still remain, including:
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What was the substance that caused the deaths?
How were 18 first responders exposed?
Were proper safety protocols followed at the scene?
What is the current condition of the two remaining patients at UNM Hospital?
Hospital officials are also expected to address their quarantine procedures and safety protocols during the briefing.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A New Mexico rodeo tradition is changing lives one horse at a time. For years, the Stables at Tamaya have kept old western traditions alive at Santa Ana Pueblo, and they’re also giving dozens of rescue horses a second chance at life.
Every Thursday night under the stable lights at Tamaya, folks from all over gather for a one-of-a-kind rodeo.
Head Wrangler at the Stables at Tamaya, Dominic Duran says, “Our rodeos are so special because they really show the growth of all of our horses out here.”
From team roping to barrel racing and steer stopping the stunts are all performed by none other than rescue horses. “The main thing to know is it’s not a regular rodeo. It’s not about the competition. It’s about the growth of the horses,” explained founder and owner of Tamaya Horse Rehab Connie Collis.
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Collis founded Tamaya Horse Rehab 14 years ago, saving horses from across the state and country, providing them with much-needed TLC to get them back on their hooves.
“These horses are all rescued from various situations. We have a lot of owner surrenders. We have horses that we get through the livestock board, neglect cases, abuse cases, as well as some Mustangs,” explained Duran.
The rodeo started shortly after the horse rehabilitation program was launched to generate funding to pay for everything from the alfalfa they eat, to the costly treatments for the dozens of horses in their care.
“Our goal is to make them the best versions of themselves. And so when we take them in, we want to analyze what we have and our goal is to get them as far as we can,” emphasized head wrangler Duran. “Horses are just like people. They need a job and they start to love what they do, just like we do out here.”
Duran says every horse has a different story and journey, but over the years, they’ve helped hundreds, offering them a full and enriching life through riding and activities like the rodeo.
“It is an amazing journey to get one, especially a skinny one or one that has really bad behavioral problems, and turn it around,” shared Collis.
Collis says the rodeo has grown in size every year and has quickly become a beloved tradition at the stables and across the equestrian community, becoming one of their larger fundraisers throughout the year. And with 126 horses in their care right now, they hope more people will make their way out to the stables this summer.
“Whether you’ve been here one time or 10 times, you should definitely come on out and come love on your favorite horses and see what progress they made over the last couple years,” said Duran.
The Stables at Tamaya will continue to run their rodeo season every Thursday from 7 to 9 through the third week of August.
North Sandia Mountain Wilderness – Sandia Ranger District
(Albuquerque, NM – June 21, 2026) — Firefighters continue with direct extinguishment strategy on the Osha Canyon Fire within the northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness on the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.
Operations: Yesterday fire crews focused on securing containment lines and mopping up along the fire perimeter. With 100% containment recorded yesterday afternoon, some resources were released from the Osha Canyon fire to assist with other wildfires burning in the state. Today, Mt Taylor Ranger District Crew 3-2 is on scene at the Osha Canyon Fire to patrol containment lines and work on mopping up interior hot spots. Aviation resources will continue to support fire operations.
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Reported start date / Time: June 19, 2026 / 1322
Cause: Lightning strike.
Size: Estimate 1 acre.
Containment: 100%
Location: Northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness south of Placitas, west of FSR 165 within the Sandia Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest, New Mexico.
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Residual Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Placitas and Bernalillo.
Resources on Scene: US Forest Service Mt Taylor Ranger District crew 3-2.
Fuels: Mixed Conifer.
Fire Activity is minimal.
Weather: Today for Albuquerque, NM (June 21, 2026): Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. https://www.weather.gov/
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Additional updates will be sent as new information is received. Photo: Sandia Ranger District – Osha Canyon Fire on June 20, 2026.
Fiesta Subaru donated $58,000 to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter, helping New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal rescue pay for food and medical care.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Fiesta Subaru donated $58,000 to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter, helping New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal rescue pay for food and medical care.
Fiesta Subaru has helped hundreds of dogs find permanent homes over the years. The dealership sets aside part of its sales and then delivered one check for $58,000 to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter.
“Whenever someone is looking for a dog and they go to one of these facilities it really does go a long way,” said Derek Culach, president of Fiesta Auto Group. “These funds that we are setting aside to give to them for the food for the medical bills everything else these dogs need to find a home that’s healthy and everything that goes a long with that.”
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The event brought together people who love pets to celebrate the donation and support the shelter’s work through the year.
People brought their dogs to play games and some also had a chance to meet a possible new pet.
