By Roger Lanse

A wildfire of as yet undetermined origin burned about 10 acres or less in an area of tall grass and mixed conifers 500 yards east of old Fort Bayard. Smoke could be seen from U.S. Highway 180.

According to Joe Chavez, Fort Bayard Volunteer Fire Department Chief, the Dump Fire began at 2:15 p.m., Thursday, March 31, and at 5:30 p.m. was fully contained. No structures were damaged or threatened and no injuries were reported.

Approximately 25 firefighters from the Whiskey Creek, Tyrone, Santa Clara and Fort
Bayard volunteer fire departments; U.S. Forest Service Hot Shot crews, and the Grant County Fire Management Office, battled the blaze.

The cause remains under investigation, Chavez stated.