Belen, NM (KKOB)- Fire officials report that the Unified Fire has grown to over 500 acres in the area of Highway 304 and Lagrima Rd, the highway remains closed. So far as of 8 p.m. the fire is 0% contained and continues to grow as it burns on both sides of the Rio Grande prompting additional evacuations.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been damaged but Fire officials report several Fire departments from Valencia County, Albuquerque and Rio Rancho as far away as Santa Fe are collaborating and protecting the structures which are the top priority.
Residents on Madrone Flyway are in “GO” status for evacuation. Madrone is a block north of Lagrima, which the Valencia County Fire Chief said is also under evacuation and further evacuations could be ordered overnight.
Fire crews inform that any additional information on evacuations will first be posted on social media for Valencia County and Rio Communities
At last report PNM had to cut distribution lines that were affected by fire. There are approximately 265 homes without power.
If you do not have power and need to plug in medical equipment or a cooling station are asked to go to the Belen Recreation Center.
Evacuations are still in place for Rio Grande Stables Rd.
NM State Forestry will be assuming command in the morning.
But firefighters will be working the fire throughout the night.
Units on scene are:
Valencia County Fire and VCFD Wildland Team
Rio Communities Fire
Belen Fire
Northern Socorro Fire
Peralta Fire
Los Lunas Fire
Albuquerque Fire
Bernalillo County Fire
Santa Fe Fire
Town of Bernalillo Fire
Cochiti Fire
NM State Forestry
MRGCD
NM State Fire Marshal’s Office
