ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP) -- Smoke will be visible in the Taos and Moreno valleys and other areas from a wildfire that has charred nearly 200 acres in rugged terrain in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico.
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.
No communities or structures are threatened.
Air tankers, helicopters, a National Parks Service initial attack crew and three fire crews were on the blaze early Friday. Five other crews had been ordered.
Forest spokesman Ignacio Peralta said the fire was active into the night, with crowning in the tree tops and spotting as far as a quarter of a mile.
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.
Forest roads 437 near Valle Escondido, 518 near Pot Creek and 76 near Black Lake were closed.
