Firefighters with the Carson National Forest are fighting a 24-acre wildfire Thursday on the slopes of San Antonio Mountain north of Tres Piedras. Crews scrambled to keep nearby homes and telecommunications infrastructure safe.
Named the Coco Fire, the blaze was burning in the undergrowth of aspen and Douglas fir stands with a combination of smoldering and moderate fire, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Three engine crews are battling the fire. Additional resources were ordered, including a helicopter.
Residential structures and telecommunications sites are at risk. San Antonio Mountain, rising to about 10,908 feet, is a landmark on the Taos Plateau near the Colorado border. The upper slopes of the mountain, a volcanic peak, are home to communication towers. It is surrounded by scattered homes and private properties.
Officials have yet to release the cause of the fire or its containment status. The wildfire is still under initial attack on Thursday afternoon.
The Coco Fire occurs during the North American monsoon season that brought increased rainfall and heightened humidity to most parts of northern New Mexico. Carson National Forest had lifted Stage 2 fire restrictions in late July after rainfall lowered fire risk. Lightning from seasonal thunderstorms, however, continues to spark new fires.
Other national forests in northern New Mexico had to contend with several small lightning-caused fires in early August. Most are limited in size because of the wetter conditions.
Authorities advised the public to avoid the area. They also reminded residents and visitors that drones are not allowed near active wildfires as aerial firefighting operations continue their fire suppression activities.
The U.S. Forest Service said it will provide additional updates when new information becomes available.
