Scene on Riverside Drive in Espanola Friday evening as more than 100 acres burns in the bosque next to the Rio Grande. Photo by Tony Verna

Smoke and flames from a fire burning near the Santa Claran Casino in Espanola Friday evening, which has resulted in evacuations in the area. Courtesy photo

Scene from Riverside Drive in Espanola Friday evening. Photo by Tony Verna

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

10:45 p.m. Friday

The City of Espanola has announced that evacuations from the Santa Claran Casino on Riverside Drive through the Fairview Bridge are taking place due to a fast-moving brush fire in the bosque. According to Espanola Fire Chief John Wickersham, the fire has burned more than 100 acres and at least two buildings.

Multiple fire agencies have responded, including Espanola Fire Department. Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Los Alamos Counties.

The La Mesilla and San Pedro centers are open and available as refuge locations for anyone in need of a safe place. Carlos Vigil Middle School has now been announced as a refuge location

The City has asked residents to share this information on Facebook and to cooperate with instructions from law enforcement and fire personnel in the area.