Brush fire burns near Mesilla producing heavy smoke, threatening homes

MESILLA, New Mexico -- A large brush fire burned Friday at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, just southwest of the town of Mesilla.

The flames from the fire, which burned along the west side of the river, produced heavy smoke visible over portions of the Dona Ana County sky.

Initially no structures were threatened, but the brush fire expanded and moved within threatening distance, at one point several hundred yards away from homes in the Mesilla Hills area.

Mesilla firefighters, along with crews from other area departments, worked to contain the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries and there was no immediate cause determined for the fire.