ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A wildfire continues to burn on a mountain range overlooking Albuquerque but officials say it is significantly smaller than initially estimated.
Cibola (sih-BOH’-luh) National Forest spokeswoman Donna Nemeth says officials initially thought the fire in the Sandia Crest area had grown to 20 acres (8 hectares) but that its size was estimated Friday at 5 acres (2 hectares).
Nemeth says the fire is burning numerous dead standing trees and other fuel. Its smoke can be seen from Albuquerque and the surrounding area.
The fire was first reported Thursday and it is burning within a mile of communications towers. Nemeth says crews are clearing vegetation to help protect that infrastructure.
No residential evacuations have been initiated but a popular viewing spot, a trail and a road have been closed.
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