Valles Caldera partially reopens

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (KRQE) - Two weeks after the Las Conchas fire forced the Valles Caldera to close, parts of the national preserve have reopened.

The Valles Caldera used to be lush, green grasslands until the largest fire in New Mexico history torched nearly 30,000 acres on the preserve.

Portions of the park are open again and plenty of elk were spotted Wednesday.

Scientists at the preserve say wildlife will actually see some benefits from the fire, such as nutrient rich, new grass that is already coming to the surface.

The rest of the area will not reopen until the fire is out or incident command decides it is safe.