Otero fire under investigation, not contained

The Otero Fire was first reported at approximately 5 p.m. on the eastern side of Socorro, adjacent to the banks of the Rio Grande. Thick plumes of smoke and flames were visible, capturing the attention of residents throughout the area.

"I'll tell you, standing there in the field last night at Otero and Chaparral, I saw flames shooting up twice as tall as the far trees, and of course the sparks went much higher," Christine Smith, Socorro resident said.

New Mexico State Forestry Division spokesperson George Ducker confirmed on Monday morning that air operations flew over and reported 364 acres were burned, with zero percent containment.

"There is still fire activity on the south side of the fire, and there's some interior heat in the black areas, the burned areas, of the fire," Ducker said, "Today's operational plan is to just hold and strengthen containment lines and start trying to get that containment percentage up."

He said several entities, including the forest service and state and county fire personnel, are assisting.

County Manager Andy Lotrich confirmed on Monday at 7 a.m. that hot spots are being monitored carefully.

"All fire lines held last night with mop duty today," Lotrich said, " About 70 personnel were on scene through the night; our personnel did a great job."

Lotrich and Ducker both confirmed that the fire is under investigation.

"I'm sure this was driven by wind," Ducker said about the Grant and Socorro fires. He said most of the state had red flag warnings.

Fortunately, Ducker said, the wind has pushed the fire away from Socorro and the river. No one was reported injured and no structures have been threatened, Ducker said.

In Grants, the Balsam Fire caused people to evacuate on Sunday; Ducker confirmed Monday morning that the Balsam Fire, now renamed the Alamo Fire, is 100% contained.

Editor's note: This article will be updated as information is made available.