The lightning-caused fire that started this afternoon in the Valles Caldera backcountry has burned more than 100 acres. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS — The fire that began earlier this afternoon on Valles Caldera National Preserve being called the San Antonio Fire is lightning-caused and has burned more than 100 acres in the northwest corner of the preserve.

Fire crews are working on the ground and in the air to suppress the fire burning in ponderosa pine and douglas fir stands.

Resources on scene and en route include multiple engines, one hot shot crew, air tac, helicopter, and two air tankers. A Type 3 fire team has been ordered and will assume command Friday morning. National Park Service officials are working with the neighboring Santa Fe National Forest to ensure all resources are available to support fire suppression efforts.

“We are fortunate this area of the preserve and adjoining Santa Fe National Forest are under closure orders, which has minimized the threat to human life and safety,” Park Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said. “We will continue working with our partners to control this fire as soon and as safely as possible.”