New Mexico Wildfire Takes 5 Homes

Firefighters battled a wind-driven wildfire early this week that officials say has tripled in size after destroying five homes, forced evacuations and knocked out power to about 1,000 homes and businesses.

New Mexico Forestry Division spokesman Dan Ware says the fire has scorched more than 6,500 acres, or 9 square miles, of private, state and federal land around the southern New Mexico communities of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs.

More than 100 people at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino were ordered evacuated Sunday as were several neighborhoods in the community of Ruidoso Downs.

The blaze had not been contained as of Monday.

Ware says the fire continues to threaten buildings, but the forecast called for lighter winds and lower temperatures.