Cerro Bandera Fire south of Grants prompts evacuations

GRANTS, N.M. — Fire officials say the Cerro Bandera Fire south of Grants has burned about 300 acres and is 0% contained.

140 fire personnel are reportedly battling the fire after crews were initially dispatched to the area of County Road 42 and Highway 53 South. Officials said two structures have been lost.

The Red Cross is setting up a temporary shelter for evacuees at the old county building located at 515 West High Street in Grants. Fire officials said donations can be dropped off at the shelter.

Evacuations – According to Grants Fire and Rescue, the Cibola Citizen’s Facebook page is being updated with the latest information. As of 5 p.m., Thursday, Caldera Road and Big Pines Road off NM 53 are being evacuated. The Cibola Trails subdivision is also under evacuation orders, as well as Plume Road and the Ice Caves area.