New Mexico’s Three Rivers Fire has charred at least 12,000 acres

The Three Rivers Fire has grown from burning 4,000 to 12,000 acres in New Mexico, according to a press release on the New Mexico Fire Information site.

As of late Tuesday, the fire, which is burning about 60 miles northeast of White Sands National Park and about three hours south of Albuquerque, was 5 percent contained.

“The fire started ½ a mile north of Three Rivers Campground and has spread almost to Ski Apache and into the South Fork Bonito area,” the release said.

The fire “is being driven by steep terrain and extreme fire weather conditions, including gusty winds and low humidity levels around 8 percent.”

Evacuation notices have been issued for the Nogal Canyon Area, Bonito Canyon Area, Tanbark, Church, Ranchman’s Camp, Loma Grande, Cora Dutton, Magado and Ski Apache.

Three evacuation centers have been opened up for those fleeing the fire, according to the site.

There had been no reports of injuries or structures burned as of Tuesday.

A high-wind warning will remain in effect through the night near the fire, the National Weather Service Albuquerque Office said in a post on Twitter.

“Strong winds remain with critical fire weather conditions across eastern NM Tuesday,” the agency said.