A mandatory evacuation order is in place for residents on Lunaro Trail and north in Deer Canyon as crews battle a wildfire in the mesa area.
UPDATE: This article has been updated with information about the fire response provided by Mayor Peter Nieto on Sunday morning.
MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. – Crews kept the Deer Canyon Fire inside fire retardant lines overnight as helicopters prepared water drops and officials reported no structure losses.
Firefighters estimate the fire has burned about 117 acres. Multiple structures are still threatened and all of the Deer Canyon subdivision is now on evacuation orders.
Mayor Peter Nieto said several thousand gallons of water are staged in portable tanks across Deer Canyon. Helicopters are expected around 10 a.m. to begin water-drop work in support of crews on the ground.
Officials said the most active fire behavior is on the south side of the mesa ridge. Multiple agencies and personnel remain in the area to watch conditions and strengthen containment.
The mayor also told residents that no significant smoke plume was visible Sunday morning and said town leaders were working to gather accurate information and assess conditions.
“We know many residents are looking for an update on the fire activity this morning. At this time, there is not a significant smoke plume visible, which we hope is a positive sign,” Nieto said.
Nieto said town leaders saw a substantial number of U.S. Forest Service vehicles heading toward the area and stayed in contact with the appropriate agencies as new information became available.
Nieto also thanked local businesses and community members who offered support to people affected by the Deer Canyon Fire.
“The Shaffer Hotel has generously offered rooms for evacuees needing a safe place to stay for the night. Turner Inn & RV Park has also opened its doors by offering RV spaces for evacuees, along with access to high-speed internet. Thank you to Alpine Alley for providing food to evacuees and first responders,” Nieto said.
He said people across the community also offered places for pets, food, water and other support for those in need.
“Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help,” Nieto said.
An aerial photo, captured by Jordan Barry, provides a perspective of the Deer Canyon Fire and how close the incident is to the Town of Mountainair.
Evacuations
A mandatory evacuation order is in place for residents on Lunaro Trail and north in Deer Canyon as crews battle a wildfire in the mesa area.
Residents on Lunaro Trail and north of there in Deer Canyon must evacuate immediately. All other residents in Deer Canyon remain on READY status and should prepare to evacuate if conditions change.
Mayor Nieto said current wind conditions are pushing smoke from the Deer Canyon fire toward Mountainair and nearby areas. He said that may reduce air quality and increase smoke across town.
Residents who use oxygen, have asthma, COPD, allergies or other respiratory conditions, as well as young children and older adults, should stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activity.
Where can evacuees go?
The Mountainair Multi-Purpose Building at 106 N Sunset is open to evacuees. According to the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, a livestock shelter is available at the Mountainair Rodeo Grounds.
Mayor Nieto said multiple agencies are at the scene working to contain the fire and protect nearby properties.
“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 online.
