The tour loops at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge are back open as firefighters get the upper hand on a blaze that has burned more than a square mile along the Rio Grande.
The blaze was 75 percent contained Thursday, and crews planned to work the fire through the weekend given the forecast for more hot, dry weather.
Chris Leeser with the refuge says temperatures have been in the triple digits and humidity has been low.
Due to the firefighters' progress, Leeser says both the north and south tour loops are open to visitors. The visitor center is also open.
While this is the slow season at the refuge, it's an important stop for migratory birds. Every winter, thousands of sandhill cranes, geese and other waterfowl make this stretch of the Rio Grande home.
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