UPDATE: Fire in Organ Mountains 50 percent containment

While the flames are no longer visible from Las Cruces, a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management confirmed that the fire burning in the Organ Mountains is at fifty percent containment.

“It’s a very rugged area to work in,” said Rico Smith, a public information officer for the BLM. “Very dangerous for the firefighters, so they are being very cautious.”

The fire is currently burning at 50 acres, Smith said. The flames, which broke out on Saturday evening, do not pose a danger to the community west of the Organ Mountains.

“There is no threat to residents at this time,” Smith said.

Part of Baylor Canyon Road is blocked off, east of Las Cruces. A crew of 12 people is battling the fire on Monday.

ABC-7 had the first crew on scene Saturday night. Stick with the station for updates throughout the week..