Desert Willow Complex Update 6/23/25

June 23, 2025 by GDucker 0 Comments

Highlights: Crews made good progress on containment for the Cotton 1 Fire, located on the west side of the river, raising containment of that fire to 20%. Dozer line was established along the Cotton 2 Fire’s north edge, but containment on that fire remains at 0%. The total acreage of both fires is 260 acres. Both fires are being managed as the Desert Willow Complex Fire under a strategy of full suppression. Evacuations are still in effect for residents in the Cotton 2 area, however, residents in the Cotton 1 area whose homes were not damaged may return.

Fire Update: Local, federal and state response crews made good progress working yesterday and overnight on the Desert Willow Complex Fire. Erratic fire behavior was noted within Cotton 2, and interior heat was a concern on Cotton 1. Dozer line around the north flank of Cotton 2 to the river was completed during the night shift, helping to keep the fire within its established footprint. Fire activity remained active, exhibiting runs and smoldering within the fire area.

Today’s objectives are firefighter and public safety as crews work to establish more containment lines and maintain current lines around both fires. The proximity of homes to the fire area remains a critical concern, and crews will focus on keeping the fire within the bosque area and monitoring fire behavior closely. Spotting — when wind carries hot embers beyond the fire’s edge and starts new fire areas — is also a concern today. Air operations will be in place throughout the day, utilizing bucket drops from helicopters to get water over the fire area. Drone activity is prohibited anywhere near the fire area and a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place.

State Fire Marshal officials will be conducting investigations as to the cause of both fires.

The Desert Willow Complex fire is estimated at 260 acres and is located in the bosque area of Los Lunas on the west and east sides of the Rio Grande, near the Main Street bridge. The fire was discovered at 3:23 p.m on Saturday, June 21.

Structure Impact: 9 structures have been reported lost, 5 have major or minor damage. An additional 36 structures have been affected either by smoke impacts or slurry drops over the area. Information per Valencia County.

Evacuations / Closures: Evacuations are still in effect for the Cotton 2 area: east side of the river from Chughole Dr. south to Main Street. Residents in the Cotton 1 area whose homes have not been damaged may return to the area. Damaged homes in the Cotton 1 area are part of an active crime scene, and public will not be admitted to those areas. See attached map.

Residents can sign up for Alert Sense official notifications from Valencia County regarding evacuation status by clicking on this link: https://www.vrecc-nm.gov/158/Alert-Sense—Emergency-Notifications

Shelters: Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center, 1103 NM-314, Los Lunas, NM 87031, where American Red Cross has relief efforts for displaced residents. Large animals can go to the Sheriff’s Posse at the I-25 Bypass in the City of Belen.

Returning to Homes: Residents returning to homes that have been impacted by retardant drops should consider using personalized protective equipment such as long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves for cleaning purposes. Use water to clean surfaces and a wet-vac for any retardant exposure within the interior of the home.

Flight Restriction: Due to aircraft operating on the incident, no drones will be allowed to fly in the area. Flying of drones will force air resources to be grounded immediately. If you fly, they can’t.

Acres: Cotton 1: 95. Cotton 2 165. Total: 260 per aerial mapping and ground truthing.

Containment: Cotton 1 20%. Cotton 2 0%

Start Date/ Time: 3:23 p.m., 6/21/25

Fuels: Bosque, cottonwood, riparian invasives.

Cause: Under investigation.

Location: Bosque area in Los Lunas south and north of Main St. Bridge, east and west sides of the Rio Grande.

Ownership: Private.

Weather: Current temperature is 75 degrees, relative humidity is 14%. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Highs near 94. South winds increasing to 10-15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight, scattered showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then isolated showers. Low around 65. South wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tomorrow’s chance of precipitation is 80%.

Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Resources: NM Forestry Division N6S, Mimbres crew, Rio Grande crew. Carson IHC hotshots, 1 stick of Smokejumpers, Valencia County, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County, Belen Fire, Town of Bernalillo, Cochiti Pueblo, North Dakota engine crew, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. Los Lunas Fire, Albuquerque Fire, Rio Communities Fire, Peralta Fire, City of Santa Fe, Bosque Farms Fire. Law enforcement includes Valencia County Sheriffs, Belen PD, Los Lunas PD, Isleta PD, Bosque Farms PD, NM State Police. Total personnel: 141