Indios Fire growth moderate despite strong winds

May 26—The Indios Fire — currently burning in Rio Arriba County, north of the village of Coyote — has expanded to just over 2,600 acres, an increase of about 250 acres since mid-day Saturday.

Despite dry conditions and high winds Saturday, the fire showed moderate activity and fire lines remained intact, a Forest Service news release announced in a daily fire update Sunday.

"Due to the varied terrain, the fire doesn't see constant sustained winds, allowing it to play its natural role in the landscape by cleaning up dead and down timber, brush and needle cast," the release stated.

Though it grew less quickly Saturday than earlier in the holiday weekend, the fire remains 0% contained. It ignited May 19 after a lightning strike.

The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 will assume command of the fire Monday morning, bringing additional resources to the scene. As of Sunday afternoon, 204 personnel had responded to the Indios Fire, using a helicopter, seven engines and other machinery to fight the fire.

A large area around the fire remains closed, including in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness and national forest lands in the Coyote Ranger District, starting at the Continental Divide Trail No. 298 at N.M. 96, north across Forest Road 77 and through the wilderness to Skull Bridge on Forest Road 151.

Camping and water is available at the Coyote Ranger Station for Continental Divide Trail hikers affected by the closure.