Crews with the Doña Ana County Fire and Emergency Services Department spent several hours Tuesday dousing a nine-acre brush fire near Radium Springs, prompting a reminder from the fire marshal to use caution during dry conditions and a windy spring season.
The fire was reported around 11:30 a.m. near a flood control dam off Robledo Vista. Fire units from the Radium Springs, Doña Ana, and Rincon fire districts as well as Bureau of Land Management fire crews responded to the fire, bringing it under control by 3 p.m.
There was no damage to property, and the fire never threatened any homes nearby. Fire officials have not yet determined what started the blaze.
As dry conditions persist throughout the county, property owners are urged to clear out dry brush and debris around their property and near their homes. Always use caution when using heavy equipment that could cause a fire, and always extinguish and properly dispose of smoking materials.
Controlled burn permits require residents to follow all county and state laws. Burning on a red-flag day or when sustained winds are greater than 20 mph is also prohibited. Failure to comply will result in fines and/or jail time.