The fire that broke out along the Rio Grande in a game refuge south of Albuquerque Wednesday is in its mop-up stages, New Mexico State Forestry reports.

The Bernardo Fire broke out at about 2 p.m. Wednesday in the La Joya State Game Refuge south of Bernardo between Interstate 25 and the river.

State Forestry reports the blaze charred about 40 acres of grasses and salt cedar.

As of 2:30 p.m. the fire was 50 percent contained with about 41 personnel on the scene.

Fire investigators suspect a person or persons trying to remove metal from erosion-control jetty jacks close to the river sparked the fire.

Anyone with information on the cause of the fire can contact State Forestry Agent Shawn Beck at (505) 827-0503.

Online:  Earlier coverage and Skyranger aerial video.

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