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New Mexico
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.
The Greater New Mexico AMBUCS works to promote mobility and independence. They do this by giving away Amtrykes to individuals with mobility deficits. Amtrykes are adaptive trikes that can be modified and customized to meet the specific needs of these individuals.
The New Mexico chapter started in 2025 and works to cover the whole state.
They have an upcoming event called Spikes for Trykes. The event is June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4511 Paseo Del Norte NE Albuquerque, NM 87113.
To learn more, visit www.gnmambucs.org.
Adrian HeddenEl Rito Mediaachedden@elritomedia.com Duke Rodriguez planned to tap into his experience as a state cabinet secretary and healthcare executive should he be elected governor of New Mexico. Rodriguez, 68, is chief executive officer of cannabis company Ultra Health, New Mexico’s largest, which he founded in 2012. He was named chief operating officer of Lovelace […]
MOUNTAINAIR, N.M. — Three people are dead and more than a dozen first responders were quarantined and being treated Wednesday for exposure to an unidentified substance after being called to a suspected drug overdose at a rural New Mexico home, authorities said.
New Mexico State Police said three of the four people who were found unresponsive inside the home east of Albuquerque died. The fourth was being treated at a hospital in Albuquerque.
During the response, authorities said, 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness. All of the first responders were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they were being monitored.
Two of the first responders were listed in serious condition, said Officer Wilson Silver with New Mexico State Police.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue Hazmat teams were assisting at the scene in Mountainair, a rural community east of Albuquerque, in efforts to identify the substance involved.
“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” Silver said.
While the investigation was ongoing, Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post that all indications were pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor. He added that there was no threat to the public and that a perimeter had been set up around the home.
Residents, however, took to social media to voice their frustrations about drug use in the community and elsewhere.
The mayor said the town’s law enforcement officers and first responders work every day to protect the community and respond to difficult situations.
“But the reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities all across our state and nation,” Nieto said. “There is no simple or immediate solution. Lasting change requires family support, accountability, education, and most importantly, individuals who are willing to accept help.”
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