Hondo home a ‘total loss’

A fire fully engulfed a home in Arroyo Hondo Tuesday afternoon (July 7), drawing a response from Hond-Seco Fire Department and the Taos County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire was first reported to Taos Central Dispatch around 4:30 p.m. A first responder who arrived at the scene confirmed that the flames had overtaken the home by the time he arrived.

Firefighters were able to tamp down active flames at the residence by Tuesday evening and continued to work amid heavy smoke pouring from the structure.

In an update on Wednesday (July 8), Taos County Fire Chief Michael Cordova said he and other firefighters were still at the fire until 3 a.m.

He said the home was a “total loss,” meaning the structure was completely destroyed by the fire. He said the home was occupied by one person, who escaped safely.

The fire is currently under investigation with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Morgan Timms contributed to this story

MORGAN TIMMS/Taos News Local volunteer firefighters battle a residential fire Tuesday afternoon (July 7) at 46 Old State Road 3 in Arroyo Hondo.

Smoke from a residential fire drifts across Arroyo Hondo Tuesday afternoon (July 7).