Desert Willow Complex Fire Evening Update 6/23/25
Highlights: A combination of decreased fire activity and further containment line establishment by response crews on the two fires of the Desert Willow Complex has raised the containment level to 40% on Cotton 1 and 25% on Cotton 2. As a result of this good progress, all evacuations will be lifted in the area. The fire's acreage has been lowered to 237 total acres due to further ground truthing.
Evening Update: As of 5 p.m. all evacuations and road closures are lifted for both previous areas listed as "Ready" and "Go" on both sides of the Rio Grande River. Residents in these areas may return to their homes.
Response crews will still be working in these areas over the coming days and residents should proceed with caution. The bosque area by the river is still considered hazardous due to fire suppression activity, and due to natural hazards such as fire-damaged trees, smoke, and heavy equipment use.
The Desert Willow Complex fire is estimated at 237 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.
Returning to Homes: Fire retardant is non-toxic. 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.
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.
Acres: Cotton 1: 95. Cotton 2 - 142. Total: 237 per further mapping and ground truthing.
Containment: Cotton 1 - 40%. Cotton 2 - 25%
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: Currently 92 degrees, 14% RH, winds from the south at 9mph. Tonight, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 10-20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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, National Park Service. 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
