CORRALES, N.M. — A thick plume of smoke rose from the wooded area along the Rio Grande on the northern edge of New Mexico's largest city Wednesday as crews worked to put out flames burning on both sides of the river.
By nightfall, crews appeared to be gaining the upper hand, with the Romero Fire declared 70 percent contained on the west side of the river. Crews were working to contain the flames on the east side and said the fire was moving away from homes but was zero percent contained late Wednesday.
The blaze began about 3:30 p.m., but its cause wasn't immediately clear. The fire quickly grew to an estimated 100 acres and threatened up to 150 structures, but authorities say none has been damaged.
On the east side of the river, the Sandia Lakes recreation area managed by Sandia Pueblo was being evacuated and authorities were trying to move livestock from the area.
Daniel Casillas, 28, rushed home after seeing smoke looming behind his home during a television broadcast.
"I thought it might be burning down so I got in the car and got here as quick as I could to save our three dogs," he said. He was told by authorities to be prepared to evacuate if the wind shifts direction.
State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware said crews from the Albuquerque Fire Department, Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, and the State Forestry Division responded to the blaze. Ground crews were getting help from water-dropping helicopters.
There was no immediate threat to the tracks used by the Rail Runner commuter train, but officials decided to stop the train from passing through the area.
A health advisory was also issued by the city of Albuquerque due to the smoke in the valley.