Semi Fire in Bluewater

Diego Lopez, Reporter

A pillar of black smoke billowed high into the sky above Bluewater Village, New Mexico. The smoke grew so high it was visible from the City of Grants and Village of Milan, with some officials receiving phone calls asking if there was a fire in the Zuni Mountains.

While Cibola’s fire teams are gearing up for the coming wildfire season, they were happy to announce this was just a semitruck fire with no injuries.

Middleton said that the fire began in the late morning. The semi driver was able to disconnect the trailer from the cab when the fire started, saving the barbecue grills and assorted barbeque goods the driver was hauling. The cab was a total loss, taking 10 firefighters, including the fire marshal, to dose the inferno.

Middleton said two tenders – trucks which haul water – from Milan Fire Department; one fire engine from Bluewater Volunteer Fire Department; one member of Grants Fire and Rescue; and Middleton himself were involved in putting out the blaze.