By KRWG News
Silver City – A wildfire burning north of Silver City now has charred more than 80,000 acres but containment is nearing 50 percent.
The Miller Fire has been burning since April 28 in and near the rugged Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico.
The human-caused blaze has moved past the Gila Cliff Dwellings without damaging the ancient American Indian ruins.
Authorities say 471 people were battling the timber and grass fire in steep and rugged terrain Sunday using engines, helicopters and hand crews.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument remains closed until further notice along with several campgrounds Grapevine, Forks, Upper and Lower Scorpion, Woody's Corral, Forks and TJ Corral. Most trails west of New Mexico Highway 15 also are closed.
Businesses and campgrounds in the Lake Roberts area remain open.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.