Forest fire east of Taos remains uncontained

A fire burning in the Carson National Forest east of Taos has grown to an estimated 429 acres with zero containment so far.

Officials say the so-called Midnight Fire is mostly creeping and smoldering with little progression Thursday due to colder temperatures and a change of fuel type.

Fuels changed from mixed conifer and spruce to grass and aspen groves on Wednesday.

They say the rugged terrain, abundance of beetle-killed trees and other observed hazards also call for a change of strategy.

A decision has been made to implement a confine and contain suppression strategy rather than attempt a direct attack and compromise firefighter safety.

The fire was reported Tuesday about 5 miles northeast of the town of Red River.

Its cause remains under investigation.