LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – Sunday night, officials are saying fires in Los Lunas have affected about 1,300 residents near the Carson Park area. Valencia County leaders are now calling the Cotton Fire and Cotton 2 Fire the Desert Willow Complex Fire.
The Valencia County Sheriff says they have about 150 firefighters on scene and says more could arrive in the coming days. Another firefighter was taken to the hospital Sunday but has since been released and is back on duty.
The sheriff says they’re at 0% containment; however, no structure fires started as a result of the second fire this morning. “State Fire Marshall Service, along with other law enforcement entities, have come down. They’ve initiated an investigation into the cause and reason of that fire. They’re looking into any type of criminal activity,” says Sheriff Joseph Rowland of Valencia County.
Crews are expected to continue working throughout the week, but a possible rainstorm on Tuesday could make it easier. As of Sunday night, the sheriff says there are no flames, but they want to mitigate the risk of embers starting another fire.
Evacuations will most likely remain in place until Tuesday, according to the sheriff. Leaders are asking the public to stay out of the area, and allow fire crews to continue their efforts into the week.
