Cuervo Fire nearly contained; I-40 open

CUERVO, N.M. (KRQE) - Fire crews are mopping up a blaze at Cuervo that shut down Interstate 40 and was initially reported to have covered 200 acres but is now said to be only five acres.

Cuervo straddles I-40 about 14 miles northeast of Santa Rosa.

Crews had to close I-40 in both directions between mile maker 291 and 292 for several hours.

The wind-driven grass fire started around 1 p.m. and was reported to be 95 percent contained by 3:30 p.m.

Four unoccupied outbuildings have burned as southwest winds up to 40 mph fanned the flames.

No word on how the fire started.

Officials blamed the large amount of smoke for the early estimate exaggerating the size of the fire.

Stay with KRQE News 13 for more updates.