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Evacuations underway in Timberon as Oakmont Fire grows to 100 acres

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Evacuations underway in Timberon as Oakmont Fire grows to 100 acres


This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

A wildfire erupted on Oakmont Road in Timberon Friday, May 3 forcing the evacuation of local neighborhoods as firefighters continue to attempt to contain the blaze.

The wildfire, dubbed the Oakmont Fire, was discovered at approximately 12:28 p.m., according to a report by the New Mexico Forestry Division.

Since then evacuations have been ordered in the area of Sacramento Drive and Paradise Valley Drive. Those evacuated are being provided shelter at Cloudcroft High School located at 10 Swallow place in Cloudcroft.

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Otero County opened its fairgrounds at 401 Fairgrounds Road in Alamogordo for animals and livestock to be evacuated to. Circle Cross Ranch at 1282 Sacramento Drive is also accepting animals in need of evacuation.

Here’s what we know about the blaze.

Wildfire erupts in Sacramento Mountains

Timberon is within the Sacramento Mountains and within Otero County limits. There cause of the ignition is unknown.

The fire is burning pinon, juniper and pine fuels within a populated neighborhood.

As of 8:45 p.m. the Oakmont Fire has reached approximately 100 acres and is 0% contained, according to a news release.

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The fire was reported to be exhibiting “torching behavior” meaning it has moved from the ground up to crowns of trees.

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Road to Timberon close as firefighters attempt to contain the blaze

“All roads in and out of Timberon are currently restricted with no estimated time of opening,” George Ducker, communications coordinator for the New Mexico Forestry Division, said in the release.

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Officials have asked locals to refrain from calling 911 unless it is an emergency.

Firefighters are reportedly attempting to suppress the fire using air support, a tactic that officials said has proven effective in slowing the fire.

A Type three Incident Management Team has been ordered to take command. A Type three incident management team consists of 10 to 20 people in different areas of the fire handling major and complex incidents within the community.

New Mexico wildfire history: These are the largest recorded wildfires in New Mexico history

Otero County has released resources such as local fire department and law enforcement to help with efforts to contain the blaze expected to last until Saturday morning.

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“Crews are responding from Forestry Division, the US Forest Service, Otero County, and local volunteer fire departments. These include large air tanker and helicopter support, and the Smokey Bear and Sacramento Hotshot Crews,” Ducker said.

There will be increased activity in the area as firefighters and equipment will be relocating as needed. Ultimately, full containment is not expected until Monday, May 6 as winds may pick up over the weekend.

“West/southwest wind 12-17 mph, decreasing to 6 to 11 miles per hour after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Tomorrow’s high near 73 degrees. North wind 7 to 16 mph becoming south in the morning. Gusts as high as 23 mph,” according to the news release.

The public can continue to follow updates on the fire at the New Mexico Forestry Division’s X account or Facebook page.

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Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.





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New Mexico

City of Albuquerque prepares for cold front moving into New Mexico

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City of Albuquerque prepares for cold front moving into New Mexico


As temperatures drop, city workers are trying to make sure everyone has a warm place to go or at least some warm clothes.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Temperatures are cold across New Mexico and are expected to drop even lower. For many, that means layering up and putting the heat on in your house. But for thousands of New Mexicans, they don’t have that luxury. So leaders with the City of Albuquerque are trying to help out. 

Right now, the city’s cold weather sheltering plan is in place. Meaning, more beds and shelters are available to anyone who needs it. But according to the city’s shelter bed tracker, Gateway Center, Gateway West and Family Gateway are all full. 

Gateway West is even over capacity, with the site saying -83 beds are available. But some Gateway services are being converted to make more beds available, like the first responder receiving area.  

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City leaders also explained they work with partners to make sure they can fulfill their promise of providing a warm place and bed for every person who needs it. 

“Anyone that asks for a bed, either we’re asking them, or if they’re calling us, we’ll make a warm bed available,” CABQ Director of Communications Staci Drangmeister said. 

As temperatures drop, city workers are trying to make sure everyone has a warm place to go or at least some warm clothes.

“First responders are out handing out coats, socks, warm clothing to people that need them. Anyone that would like to donate, we would love your support,” Drangmeister said. 

Drangmeister explained some of the top priorities right now are things like coats, sweatpants, gloves, beanies and more. But as first responders hand items out, they’re also trying to encourage people to go to shelters as temperatures become life-threatening. 

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“It’s important for everyone to know that the cold, and when it’s wet especially, can be really dangerous. Look out for your community, both housed and unhoused,” Drangmeister said. 

Under the cold weather sheltering plan, the city works to free up even more beds than it currently has. 

“The Gateway Center is one of the places within our emergency sheltering plan that we can add additional capacity so we can add temporary beds as the need might expand,” she explained. 

As the city’s shelters fill up, Drangmeister said they’ll tap into their network of partners to add beds. 

“Gateway West is closing in on capacity, but there are partner organizations, and then the city has plans in place and is committed,” Drangmeister said. 

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The shelters and beds are also open to anyone who is cold, not only people facing homelessness. 

“By law, your landlord has to give you adequate heating. So, if you’re a renter and that’s not the case. [We] encourage you to call 311, and report it, because everyone should absolutely have access to a heater that’s going to work and keep you warm,” she said. 

According to the city’s website, 1,199 beds are in use and 85 available. But if those run out. Drangmeister says they’ll continue to find more beds or set up cots in the shelters.  

If you need a place to warm up during the day or if you lose power, you can go to any of the city’s facilities like a community center. Drangmeister says they’ll open up warming centers as needed. 

You can call ACS at (505) 768-4227. For transportation to a shelter between 8:00p.m. and 7:00a.m., call the ACS emergency after-hours transportation service at (505) 418-6178. You can also call 311 for help. 

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To donate clothes, click here.



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New Mexico

New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure

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New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure


The march brought people together to advocate for various issues, including women’s rights, and featured outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a New Mexico native herself.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexicans took part in a national movement with a prominent figure at their side Sunday in Albuquerque.

A large crowd of people gathered for The People’s March, which brings people together to advocate for various issues, like women’s rights and immigration.

“I haven’t actually come out and stood up for what I believe in, and now’s the time to do it, I think, more than ever, honestly,” said Cat Edmonds, who marched for the first time.

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There was a familiar face joining Edmonds in the march. Deb Haaland, the outgoing secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, made her way back home from Washington, D.C.

“I’m so happy to be here. I’ve been a part of this march for many years, and happy to be here once more,” Haaland said.

As the Interior Secretary under former President Joe Biden, Haaland became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Her term ended Monday when Donald Trump took the oath of office and became president.

Haaland said she is proud of what she accomplished.

In 2023, her office took action to protect the Chaco region from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. At the time, she was met with Navajo protesters who blocked the route to Chaco Canyon.

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Tribal-led conservation was a big push for Haaland during her term but not the only key issue.

“I think that, generally, President Biden was just so great on conservation. So we were able to get a lot of conservation efforts across the finish line for here in New Mexico, but it’s everything else too,” she said.

Recently in New Mexico, her department agreed to a settlement with the Jemez Pueblo over land rights in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

“I’m a New Mexican, I’m a Pueblo woman. I take that perspective wherever I go. And so being in Washington, D.C., having the opportunity to manage a 65,000 career workforce, and manage all of our public lands, it was really a wonderful opportunity and such an honor,” Haaland said.

There is no official word on what Haaland’s next move will be.

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New Mexico Lottery Pick 3 Day, Pick 3 Evening results for Jan. 19, 2025

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 19, 2025, results for each game:

Pick 3

Day: 1-0-7

Evening: 8-8-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 2-0-3-5

Day: 3-9-9-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

04-05-18-23-26

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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