Fire crews are battling the Unified Fire burning in the bosque south of Belen, near Highway 304 and Lagrima Road.
The New Mexico Forestry Department estimates the fire has grown to approximately 125 acres and remains at zero percent containment. Multiple structures are threatened, though no damage has been confirmed.
Evacuations have been ordered for residents along Lagrima Road near the river and for those living on Madrone Flyway. Highway 304 is closed between Lucero Drive and Barbara Street as crews work in the area.
Firefighters from the Valencia County Fire Department, Rio Communities Fire Department, and the City of Belen are responding, with about 100 personnel assigned to the incident. The fire is burning grass, brush, and timber in the bosque east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area as the situation continues to develop.
