Grass Fires Extinguished Near La Junta

Firefighters in Otero County are investigating whether a damaged wheel bearing from a passing truck sparked a series of small grass fires in the La Junta area Friday.

La Junta fire engineer Josh Fief said a dozen separate fires ignited between 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Several fires were seen burning along Highway 350, six miles south of La Junta, and on U.S. 50 in La Junta near Road 27, continuing south on Highway 350. Strong winds fanned the flames, Fief said.

Fief said the fires were quickly contained with no injuries or property damage. Firefighters from neighboring Rocky Ford assisted in the effort. Highway 350 initially was shut down at County Road 21 due to poor visibility from smoke, but has since been reopened.

Approximately 110 acres were burned, Fief said.

“It did start making a good run,” he said. “But the wind shifted quite a bit out there while we were fighting it. At one point, it actually jumped Highway 350, but it was put out.”

Fief said area firefighters will remain on heightened alert this weekend as strong winds are expected.