By Sarah Gustavus
Los Alamos, NM – The Las Conchas fire started last Sunday afternoon. It grew rapidly, fueled by strong winds and low humidity. It continues to move closer to Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Officials at the lab say that sensitive nuclear materials are still safe. Firefighters burned out black lines in the grass to keep the fire away from the lab as it continues to push north and east.
The lab will remain closed at least through Friday.
An incident commander estimates the fire could now be as large as 90,000 acres, but an official estimate will be developed overnight. Strong winds are expected again tomorrow. On Wednesday evening, the fire was 3% contained