Fire crews battle lightning-caused fire near Placitas

Fire crews are battling a fire in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness south of Placitas, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands reported Friday.

The fire, located in the north are of the Sandia ranger District on the Cibola National Forest, was caused by lightning and was first reported Thursday evening during a thunderstorm. Containment is at 0% with about one-tenth of an acre burned.

At this time, the fire is not a threat to communities, and no evacuations are in effect. However, smoke may be visible from Placitas and Bernalillo. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area, including those flying drones, to allow crews to conduct fire operations.

Responding units include engines from the United State Forest Service and a helicopter with a repel unit.

Fire updates will be posted on the Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages.