Lightning Sparks Fires on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands

Clayton, NM; September 17, 2015 – For Immediate Release.  A thunderstorm that passed over the grasslands earlier this week has sparked a fire on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. The East Thompson Grove fire is burning in light fuels 10 miles east of Texline, TX. The fire is currently 81.5 acres and is not contained.  Further growth potential for this fire is low.  Three engines from Bernalillo County Fire Department, BIA Mescalero and Philmont Fire Department are on scene with Forest Service fire personnel.

The Lone Tree fire was reported 6 miles east of Clayton, NM and is also burning in light fuels.  The fire is currently contained and being patrolled by resources from the East Thompson Grove fire.

Both of these fires are located in remote areas and no structures are threatened.  There are also no road or trail advisories foreseen.

Fire Information: Updates will be available by contacting the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands at: (575) 374-9652 as well as online at the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com, Twitter:@Cibola_NF, and www.facebook.com/cibolanf.