Anthony, NM Man Cited When Brush Fire Spreads To Railroad Tracks

Three fire departments responded to a brush fire north of Anthony, New Mexico on Monday, bringing flames under control in about 10 minutes.

Officials with Doa Ana County Fire and Emergency Services said trucks from Anthony, Mesquite and Chamberino were called out to an area near Highway 478 and Joy Rd. at 1:41 p.m. after a man reportedly stepped away from debris he was burning to get a drink of water, according to the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

By the time he returned, flames had spread to a ditch near the railroad tracks. No homes or other structures were ever in any danger, but a portion of the railroad tracks were damaged.

Capt. Kellen Tarkington said the man was cited for burning on a no-burn day, leaving a fire unattended, and burning too close to other combustibles, according to the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.