NM wildfire destroys 15 homes, eases overnight

The Associated Press

SILVER CITY, N.M. — New Mexico officials say activity on a wind-driven wildfire that destroyed up to 15 homes has eased, and crews were able to build containment lines overnight.

State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware says the wildfire in a rugged rural area south of Silver City had burned nearly 1,800 acres, or almost 3 square miles, by early Tuesday. That's up from 500-1,000 acres burned as of Monday night.

Ware expects more concrete figures after officials assess the area Tuesday.

High winds had prevented firefighters from calling in water-dropping helicopters or planes after the blaze started Monday afternoon.

Winds were expected to pick up again Tuesday afternoon.

About 100 people were evacuated.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a grant that will cover 75 percent of the cost of fighting the fire.