Black Feather Fire: More than 2,000 acres burned, evacuations possible

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico firefighters are battling multiple fires across the state as of Monday. The largest fire is burning in northern New Mexico, about 45 miles northwest of Santa Fe, near Cuba.

It’s called the Black Feather Fire and it’s already burned 2,500 acres. It started Saturday following a lightning strike.

There’s a warning for people in Mesa Poleo and Mesa Pinabetal to be ready to evacuate. Those communities are on “Set” status, meaning they should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

According to the Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office, most residents have already left but some have opted to stay put for now. The winds have been on and off Monday, and officials say that’s impacted their firefighting efforts.

Fire officials say there will be an evacuation center at the Coyote Senior Center, also called the Rio Arriba County Senior Center – just off Highway 96.

The sheriff’s office also says the Rural Events Center in Abiquiu is open for livestock evacuations.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries or lost structures.