Bosque in Rio Rancho reopens; fires are 100% contained
May 22—People can once again visit the bosque in Rio Rancho.
According to a Rio Rancho Fire Rescue news release, the handful of fires that began over the weekend has been 100% contained and the bosque was reopened at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Crews will be clearing the barricades throughout the day.
According to a Rio Rancho Observer report, the fire department got a call at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday regarding the fires in the Bosque Open Space near the River's Edge II development.
Fire Chief James DeFillippo said on Monday that about two acres burned. No one was injured, and no structures were damaged.
"Rio Rancho Fire & Rescue would like to thank all the agencies that assisted with the fire operations over the last several days," the Wednesday release states.
Fire and Rescue said the incident remains under investigation and if anyone has information on the fires, they should contact Fire Marshal James Wenzel at 505-891-5924 or jawenzel@rrnm.gov.
While these fires were contained, Fire and Rescue is encouraging people to remain on guard.
"All citizens are encouraged to be mindful of the high fire danger and refrain from any open flames or burning while enjoying the bosque," the department said.
Winds are expected to be 15-20 mph on Thursday after they were 10-15 mph on Wednesday but will jump to 35-40 mph Saturday, according to the National Weather Service of Albuquerque.
NWS Meteorologist Scott Overpeck said a red flag warning is not likely to be issued in the metro area until Saturday.
Even if a warning is not issued, Overpeck said it is a "good idea for people not to do anything with flames."
