Wildfire torching New Mexico pine forests keeps growing
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire near a small northeastern New Mexico community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains that is the biggest fire in the U.S. is expected to keep growing.
Authorities say the fire near the town of Las Vegas could be fanned Tuesday by wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour that could last through the weekend.
The blaze has charred 217 square miles, burned at least 172 homes and prompted some Las Vegas residents to leave.
Firefighting crews are battling on several fronts to prevent the fire from pushing into more populated areas.
The blaze could become one of the largest in New Mexico’s recorded history.