A new wildfire has erupted in Valencia County, dangerously close to the origin point of the Cotton Fire that devastated the area over the weekend. Fire officials are now calling this the Desert Willow Complex Fire, which includes both the original Cotton and Cotton 2 fires.
The blaze has already scorched around 260 acres and destroyed at least a dozen homes. Evacuation orders were briefly lifted but had to be reinstated after a second fire flared up north of the Main Street Bridge in Los Lunas, forcing more than 1,300 residents to flee.
Authorities suspect arson may be the cause, though the investigation is ongoing. Fire crews are urging the public not to fly drones in the area, as it interferes with aerial firefighting efforts.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center on Highway 314. Residents are being asked to stay alert and follow all emergency instructions as crews work to contain the flames.
Stay tuned to KKOB for the latest updates on this developing story.
