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Crews on Tuesday completed significant work on the Mestenas Canyon Fire, which has grown to 716 acres with 40% containment. The fire’s heel on the south end is now completely contained.

Meanwhile, the fire’s head continues to slowly progress north toward Forest Road 312, which crews prepared as a potential containment line. Low-hanging branches, known as ladder fuels, have been removed and blacklining, where fuels are burned ahead of the approaching fire, is completed up to 100 feet off the road.

There are no evacuations, but oil and gas infrastructure, archeological sites, dispersed camping areas and inholdings may be threatened if the fire grows beyond planned control lines.

The lightning-caused Mestenas Canyon Fire was first reported July 11. It is in the canyon of the same name, about 14 miles southwest of Dulce, N.M., and two miles north of Highway 64, where smoke may cause limited visibility to drivers.

The public can keep updated on the fire by visiting InciWeb or calling a public information officer at 505-216-6793.