Fire strikes near Hull Street overpass

CLOVIS — Christmas smelled a lot like smoke for most of Clovis on Sunday as a grass fire destroyed about 100 acres near the Hull Street overpass on the city’s west edge.

Clovis Fire Department Battalion Chief Joel Gershon said a shed, multiple porta-potties, hay, grass and rubbish were consumed by the fire, which was extinguished after about three hours. No injuries were reported.

Gershon said high winds complicated firefighting efforts, with gusts near 50 mph.

A cause was not immediately determined.

Police Lt. Daron Roach said multiple roads in the area were closed — including Hull Street, Second to Brady, Waldhauser and adjoining streets — after the fire was reported around noon.

Crystal Mondragon said she was eating lunch when she saw smoke and drove to the area.

“We got there before the fire trucks,” she said. “It was traveling fast. At first we thought it was Mom’s Café (that was on fire), but it started from the field.”

Gershon said crews were still working hot spots around 3:30 p.m. The smell of smoke was strong across the city late into the afternoon. Smoke could be seen for miles before firefighters controlled the fire.

Fire departments from Texico, Melrose and Cannon Air Force Base all assisted Clovis firefighters, Gershon said.