Blazing heat continues to prevail in Deer Canyon, Southern Mountain Air, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for residents in northern Deer Canyon and Jumano Trail.
Officials urged residents on Lunaro Trail and northern Deer Canyon to evacuate immediately. Meanwhile, all other residents in Deer Canyon remain on “READY” status and should prepare to evacuate if conditions change.
Mountainair Mayor, Peter Nieto said current wind conditions are pushing smoke from Deer Canyon fire toward Mountainair and nearby areas. This instance may reduce air quality and increase smoke across town.
Residents who have asthma, COPD, allergies, and other respiratory conditions, as well as those who use oxygen, young children, and elderly, should stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activity.
Where can evacuees go?
The Mountainair Multi-purpose Building 106 N Sunset is open to evacuees. According to Torrance County Sheriff’s Office a livestock shelter is available at Mountainair Rodeo Grounds.
Mayor Nieto said multiple agencies are at the scene working to contain the fire and protect nearby properties. In a Facebook post, Nieto said residents have to stay alert, follow instructions from authorities, and monitor verified updates. “Please stay alert, follow directions from emergency personnel, and monitor official updates. Keep our firefighters, first responders, and affected residents in your thoughts and prayers as they work to protect lives and property,” said Nieto.
What Happened?
At 4 P.M. of Saturday, June 20, a fire was discovered in Deer Canyon, south of Mountainair. The fire is exhibiting extreme behavior, is currently active, and is crowning in piñon-juniper and grass fuels. It has prompted aerial firefighting resources, including FLRD76, TKR914, and additional aircraft and helicopter crews, to provide support from the air.
The total area affected by the fire is around 350 acres; the cause remains unknown. The fire has zero containment.
Update As Of June 23, 9:20 P.M.
Firefighters have reached 15 percent containment on the Deer Canyon Fire near Mountainair. But evacuation orders remain in place as crews continue battling the blaze that has scorched nearly 120 acres.
Residents along Jumano Trail in Deer Canyon remain under a “Set” status, meaning they should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The rest of the area remains under a “Ready” status.
The fire was discovered on Saturday, June 20. Fire officials believe lightning sparked the blaze.
Authorities said evacuation notices remain in effect despite progress in containing the fire.
Last and Final Update As Of June 24, 4:47 P.M.
The crews made an improvement with fire suppression activities, raising its containment to 50%. The fire activity has remained low and resources continue to secure the perimeter and cleaned up.
Meanwhile, interior pockets are sending up some smoke but doesn’t pose a threat.
Since the situation is improving, evacuation has been lifted and the structure threat has passed.
