ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP) -- A wildfire burning in rugged terrain in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico charred nearly 200 acres by Thursday evening, a forest spokesman said.
The Osha Park Fire was first spotted Thursday afternoon about 12 miles west of Angel Fire. Officials were not sure what sparked the blaze, which is burning in mixed conifer with heavy fuels on the forest floor.
Forest spokesman Ignacio Peralta said the fire was active into the night. He reported crowning in the tree tops and spotting as far as a quarter of a mile, but no structures were threatened.
Firefighters on the ground were getting help from several air tankers and helicopters. Peralta expected they would use direct attack strategies through the night as long as conditions were favorable.
Officials said the forest is experiencing extreme fire conditions and they may impose stage II fire restrictions by Monday if the dangerous conditions persist.
