Grass Fires Under Investigation - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Investigators now say the fire that forced a portion of I-27 to shut down Sunday was a flare-up. The original fire started last month at the Tuco Gin near Abernathy. Abernathy fire officials say the gin failed to bury the mote cotton and the cotton flared up again. At least 1,000 acres, several barns and more than 200 railroad ties were charred.

Meanwhile, investigators say an electric fence is to blame for a fire that sparked near Plainview Sunday. One abandoned home was destroyed and two square miles of land burned near I-27 and County Road 120.

100,000 acres of dry grass and brush are now black in southeastern New Mexico. A fire spread through the area between Lovington and Tatum Sunday. The blaze burned down a post office and caused the evacuation of about 200 people. Authorities are still investigating the cause but say it's likely someone sparked it along a road near Tatum.

Wildfire Prevention Tips Here are some helpful tips to follow when visiting areas where wildland fires can ignite.