STATE
Fire near Clines Corners shuts down eastbound I-40
State police divert traffic onto US Highway 285, detouring it around scene
Interstate 40 eastbound is closed after multiple grass fires sparked near Clines Corners on Tuesday afternoon.
The Canyon Venado Fire has burned roughly 20 acres and remains active with 0% containment, according to New Mexico State Forestry Division spokesperson George Ducker.
Surrounding structures are threatened, including wind turbines and buildings within a 5-mile radius, Ducker said. The fire is currently burning pi帽on-juniper and grass fuels.
鈥淪tate, county and federal resources are implementing full suppression tactics on both fires, including air support,鈥 he added.
I-40 is closed at mile marker 218 in Moriarty, about 45 minutes east of Albuquerque.
All eastbound traffic is being diverted to U.S. 285 north and south, according to a social media post from New Mexico State Police.
鈥淓xpect the closure to remain in place for the next few hours,鈥 State Police said. 鈥淧lease use alternate routes and plan for delays.鈥
A second fire 鈥 the Osita Draw Fire 鈥 just west of Highway 285 and east of the Canyon Venado Fire burned about 10 acres and is now 100% contained, Ducker said.
The cause of both fires remains under investigation.
No injuries have been reported, but telephone poles were damaged by the fire, according to interim Torrance County Manager Stephanie Reynolds.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
Gregory Hasman contributed to this report.