By KRWG News
Ruidoso – Firefighters are battling a blaze that erupted behind a Ruidoso business and quickly raced up the mountain behind it, engulfing homes along the way.
The Ruidoso News reported Thursday afternoon that residents from Swallow, Wood Lane, Miriam, Lark and Mockingbird were being evacuated.
An evacuation also was ordered for the Turkey Canyon area of Ruidoso Downs and from the Pine Springs Motel.
The fire was moving northeast but remained on the south side of highway U.S. 70.
The newspaper reported that gas service was cut off to several homes that were burning, and some homeowners were escorted into the neighborhood to retrieve pets.
Heavy equipment was brought in to help fight the fire.
Firefighter efforts around the state Thursday were hampered by strong winds, including gusts up to 35 mph.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press