Vehicles spark grass fires

Freedom New Mexico

Two vehicle fires sparked grass fires on Saturday.

The first vehicle fire happened in the 200 block of N.M. 267 northwest of the Portales Livestock Auction house at 10:09 a.m., said Portales Battalion Chief Mike Golden.

Golden said the vehicle simultaneously started a small grass fire that burned less than an acre.

The second fire occurred at 12:30 p.m. at 367 N.M. 467 said Golden.

“A vehicle had some problems so the driver pulled off the road,” Golden said. “The vehicle caught fire and caused the grass fire.”

Golden said he guessed 10 acres were burned along with a John Deere 624 loader.