A Dona Ana County fire investigator says smoke from a fire at a biofuel facility wasn't toxic, and authorities say there's no continuing health risk to residents.
The fire at the Rio Valley Biofuels facility in Anthony on Tuesday forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes as authorities declared a hazardous materials emergency.
The evacuation order was lifted Tuesday after the fire was largely put out, but some material continued to smolder Wednesday.
Deputy Fire Marshal Eric Crespin says tests of water used to clean firefighters and their gear indicate the smoke wasn't toxic.
New Mexico State Police Lt James Frietze says the materials in tanks that exploded were "relatively safe" without direct contact.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that investigators continue trying to determine the fire's cause.
Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News.
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