Widlfire growing in mountains near Red River

RED RIVER, N.M. (KRQE) - The U.S. Forest Service was prepared to evacuate three campgrounds Tuesday as a wildfire displaying "extreme fire behavior" continues to grow north of Red River.

The Midnight Fire was reported about 11:30 a.m. in the area of Midnight Meadow south of Ortiz Peak and roughly eight miles northeast of Red River on the Questa Ranger District.

Initially reported at 50 acres, by 5 p.m. it had grown to an estimated 250 acres, according to a spokesperson for the Carson National Forest.

An unknown number of firefighters on are on scene, and dozer crews, engine companies and additional fire teams are on the way.  Air tankers also have been dispatched in part because of the current fire behavior but given the forecast for high winds on Wednesday.

Tuesday's winds were enough to keep the aircraft grounded.

Earlier in the day, when the fire was still at 50 acres, campers in the Valle Vidal, McCrystal and Cimarron campgrounds were asked to be prepared to evacuate.  It is not know if the Forest Service has ordered evacuations since then.