New Mexico grass fire burns 12,000 acres

CIMARRON, N.M., March 2 (UPI) -- Fire crews in northeastern New Mexico struggled Thursday to contain a grass fire near Cimarron that has burned some 12,000 acres.

On Wednesday, fire officials suggested voluntary evacuations of the village of Miami and a subdivision just outside Cimarron but later allowed residents to return, reports the Albuquerque Journal. No injury or residential damage had been reported.

A spokesman for the state Forestry Division, noting winds had calmed down overnight, said, "Things are looking good."

The fire, named Casa fire, went in different directions due to erratic winds, forcing firefighters to battle it on three fronts, the report said. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.