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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

Debate rages on oilfield wastewater in New Mexico – Carlsbad Current-Argus

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Debate rages on oilfield wastewater in New Mexico – Carlsbad Current-Argus


Adrian HeddenCarlsbad Current-Argusachedden@currentargus.com Wastewater from oil and gas drilling could be reused by other industries next year, if a state body acts despite criticism from…



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Family clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead

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Family clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead


NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – KRQE News 13 has learned more about the disappearance of 36-year-old Joel “Deano” Valdez, and why, nearly three months after he went missing, his family believes he is dead. Valdez went missing on September 18, on his way home after a job on the other end of the state. After weeks of searching, on Monday night, Valdez’s family announced their loved one was dead, but did not provide information to support their claim.

On Tuesday, the family issued a follow-up statement saying they hired a private investigator who obtained interviews from several people who confirmed Valdez’s death. They said that Valdez, a Marine vet and father of three, was headed from Silver City to Coyote back in September but had stopped at a Santa Fe gas station before he vanished.

Media reports described an incident where Valdez may have been preyed upon in his white Chevy Silverado pickup truck. Valdez’s family believes that “something nefarious happened” to him, leading to his demise. Bank statements show Valdez stopped at a gas station and an ATM in Santa Fe before he vanished. His family also said that his credit cards were used by someone else after he went missing.

In the statement released Tuesday, the family said in part, “Waiting for his remains to be found makes it difficult to start the grieving process.

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Monday night, a family member said, “To go so long without answers has been heart-wrenching and heartbreaking for all of us. We still don’t have all the answers and hope to one day have some clarity and peace.”

KRQE News 13 asked the Santa Fe Police Department about the incident. They said on the day that Valdez went missing, they received a 911 call about three people breaking into a white pickup truck. The caller said they heard someone inside the truck yelling for help. Before they arrived, Santa Fe police officers were diverted to a higher-priority call.

According to police records, when an officer finally arrived at the scene 45 minutes later, there was nothing to report. KRQE News 13 is cautioning viewers that it is not clear if the 911 incident had anything to do with Valdez or his pickup truck.

New Mexico State Police are in charge of the investigation, and they told KRQE News 13 they are still treating Valdez as a missing persons case.

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New Mexico Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for Dec. 15, 2025

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 15, 2025, results for each game:

Powerball

23-35-59-63-68, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Day: 2-3-6

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Evening: 4-5-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Lotto America

08-11-29-36-50, Star Ball: 07, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 2-5-0-2

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Day: 7-2-1-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

01-12-17-26-29

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball Double Play

20-23-38-42-65, Powerball: 19

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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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