Socorro County has been the scene of two wildland fires in the past seven days. The most recent, the Yankee fire, was reported Tuesday at 10:52 a.m. The fire is confined to the western slopes of M Mountain on New Mexico Tech property.

As of press time, the fire was smoldering though through grass and brush. Multiple resources have responded, including an air attack with a helicopter and one tanker. Wednesday morning’s flight reported 338 acres burned. However, there has been no further movement since Tuesday evening.

Resources continue to be engaged, and a helicopter is continuing to perform bucket work on priority areas. No structures are threatened, and the fire is 50 percent contained.

The cause is under investigation.

Elsewhere. the Antelope Flats fire, north of the Double-H Ranch off Forest Road 10 in western Socorro County. The fire was discovered Thursday at 10:58 a.m., and 45 firefighters initially responded to install and secure the lines.

By last Friday, the 25 firefighters were on the scene.

The Antelope Flats fire is approximately 60 percent contained and has burned 939 acres.

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain