Intentional fires in Bosque area prompts police warning

Due to intentional fires being set in the Bosque area in Rio Rancho at about 7:19 p.m. May 19, police are instructing people to avoid the area.

"At this time, we are asking the public to avoid the area. An unknown suspect(s) have intentionally set fires in the bosque," Rio Rancho Police Capt. Jacquelynn Reedy said.

A release from Albuquerque Fire Rescue, who responded on a mutual aid call from Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, stated in a release that crews engaged in a one-acre fire that included spot fires believed to be caused by humans. Forward progress of the fire was stopped with crews expected to stay through the night to confirm the fire was extinguished.

"Due to the expected high winds high temperatures and low humidity the next day, several contingency lines using bulldozers were cut around the fire to create fire brakes as an added measure of protection against any further flare ups," AFR said Sunday.

Responding departments included AFR, RRFR, town of Bernalillo Fire Department, Corrales Fire Department, Cochiti Pueblo, Sandoval Fire Department, State Forestry and Rio Rancho Police Department.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911.