During a public meeting on Wednesday at Raton High School, the Raton Natural Gas CEO said that natural gas service would not be interrupted. Wednesday’s fear was that gas will be turned off because of a broken valve up in the mountains caused by the wildfire. Las Vegas, N.M., is also affected by the damage. The gas company plans to service the line on Wednesday night.

Evacuations were ordered for northern Raton, north of I-25, County Road 72 and Sugarite State Park. Due to increased fire activity the Track Fire has moved south of Horse Mesa prompting a mandatory evacuation for residents located in the area beginning at Junction 72 and 526 east to Bear Canyon Road. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Raton Convention Center.

As of Wednesday morning, Interstate 25 was closed at the intersection of I-25 and County Road 72 at Exit 453. I-25 is closed in Colorado at Exit 11. Old Pass Road is closed from the City Limits to the north at Port of Entry. Highway 526 (Sugarite Road) is closed at the junction of 526 and County Road 72. Bartlet Mesa Road is closed at the 2/10 mile marker.

The blaze is 10 percent contained.

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