NEWS
Evacuations in place after bosque fire south of Belen spreads to 125 acres
No structures are currently threatened and state resources are assisting
Published
Modified
Evacuations are in effect for anyone near Lagrima Road or Madrone Flyway, where a fire burning in the bosque south of Belen has grown to roughly 125 acres.
The Unified Fire was reported about 11 a.m. near Madrone, east of Interstate 25, George Ducker, spokesperson for the New Mexico Forestry Division, said in a news release.
The fire, burning near N.M. 304 and Lagrima Road, grew significantly after being estimated at 35 acres at 11:30 a.m., according to a post on the Valencia County Fire Department’s Facebook page.
“Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding areas,” Ducker said. “The fire is active and running through bosque fuels, including grass, brush and timber.”
The fire was 0% contained and the cause was under investigation.
Ducker said N.M. 304 is closed at Sonnenburg Loop and Baca Road. Evacuation shelters are available at 108 Rio Communities Boulevard in Rio Communities and the Belen Community Center at 305 Eagle Lane.
Firefighters are monitoring a natural gas pipeline that crosses the river, but it is not a concern at this time, according to Matt Propp, the Valencia County Fire Department's spokesperson.
“We’re working on getting crews to gain access,” he said. “We currently have one dozer working the fire line and we have a second on the way.”
Resources from the state are en route for additional support and Belen Fire, VCFD and Rio Communities are battling the blaze.
This is a developing story.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
