Smoke from a grass fire on Tucumcari Mountain was visible for several miles this morning.

A downed electric line caused a fire on Tucumcari Mountain today, fire officials said.

The fire was confined to the southeast face of the mountain and did not reach the biscuit top, where there are several communications towers for cell and other communication providers, said Tucumcari Fire Chief Mike Cherry.
 
The fire was reported at 10:30 a.m and a fire unit had contained the blaze by 11:30 a.m., Cherry said. A back-up tanker and fire unit were stationed at the base of the mountain to provide assistance if needed.

ENMR Plateau communications and Xcel Energy companies were contacted and were at the scene.

Smoke could be seen from more than five miles away from the mountain.