Deer Canyon Fire Triggers Evacuations Near Mountainair as Crews Contain Blaze

A wildfire south of Mountainair, the Deer Canyon Fire, prompted a mandatory evacuation for residents on Lunaro Trail and north in Deer Canyon. About 117 acres have burned with multiple structures threatened. Crews kept the fire within retardant lines overnight as helicopters prepared water drops; officials reported no significant smoke plume Sunday morning. Several agencies are on scene with water staged in portable tanks, and evacuees can shelter at the Mountainair Multi-Purpose Building, with a livestock shelter available at the Mountainair Rodeo Grounds. Winds could push smoke toward town, so residents were advised to stay indoors and monitor updates.