Picacho Fire origin located

DUNKEN, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - Fire investigators working the Picacho Fire in southeastern New Mexico have pinpointed where the fire began by the side of U.S. Highway 82 near Dunken.

What they don't know is what actually started by the blaze around noon Wednesday. A tossed cigarette or the catalytic converter in a hot vehicle exhaust system are two of the possibilities, Dan Ware of New Mexico State Forestry told KRQE News 13.

Late Thursday firefighters estimated the burn area at 8,500 acres with the fire about 60 percent contained. The fire remained active with around 100 firefighters trying to keep ahead of it and strengthen containment lines.

Two air tankers working during the afternoon and into the evening dropped retardant trying to limit the spread of the fire.

Fire crews also reported three structures were threatened. It was not immediately know what type of structures those were although firefighters said they were not in immediate danger.