The Las Conchas fire is 100 percent contained , having burned more than 146,000 acres . As the fire rages , a flash flood watch is issued for northern and central New Mexico . An official notes that in places there 's no vegetation to contain intense heat . A meteorologist says fire - scarred trees are water - repellent , acting like pavement .
The Las Conchas fire is 45 percent contained , having burned more than 146,000 acres . As the fire rages , a flash flood watch is issued for northern and central New Mexico . An official notes that in places there 's no vegetation to contain intense rainwater . A meteorologist says fire-scarred areas seem water-repellent , acting like pavement .