8:00am UPDATE: Firefighters have successfully conducted some burnout operations and have stopped the spread of this morning's wildfire toward the small town of Miami,  Dan Ware of the State Forestry Division told KOB-TV just moments ago. Ware said the wind had shifted and the fire is now moving in a westerly direction where there are some trees but no structures.

The Philmont Scout Ranch, where some 100 firefighters have their base of operations, appears to be safe for now, as is the village of Miami, Ware told KOB-TV.

6:30am UPDATE: Schools have been closed for the day in Maxwell, north of Springer on Interstate 25, according to KOAT-TV and KOB-TV. The fire, now known as the Casa Fire, is 0 percent contained at this hour. Go here for the latest report from The Associated Press.

615am UPDATE: Residents of the northeastern New Mexico community of Miami, a farming community of around 100 people located just west of Springer, have been evacuated to the Raton Convention Center, State Police Lt. Juan Martinez told ABQjournal.com.

The fire, which had been burning west of Miami,  had grown from 6,000 to 10,000 acres in just a short time, and was believed to have started around 1:30 a.m. today from a downed power line, KOB-TV is reporting.

A grass fire that started around 1:30 a.m. southeast of Cimarron, near the Philmont Scout Ranch, has forced the evacuation of the Colfax County town of Miami, KOB-TV and KOAT-TV are reporting.

The blaze was believed to have been sparked at a bed and breakfast, KOB-TV reported.

Stay tuned for further details.

Your Name:

Your Email Address:

Rate this article:
Poor Great

Comment:

BOLD

"QUOTE"

UNDERLINE