KRWG News – SILVER CITY, N.M. (krwg) New Mexico fire officials say a wind-driven wildfire that destroyed up to 15 homes has now grown to nearly three square miles.
New Mexico State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware says the blaze near the southwestern New Mexico town of Silver City had blackened about 1,770 acres, or about 2.7 square miles, by early Tuesday. That's up from 500-1,000 acres burned by Monday night.
Ware says an entire subdivision and 100 homes were evacuated as westerly wind gusts as high as 50 mph pushed the flames. No injuries were reported.
High winds had prevented firefighters from calling in water dropping helicopters or planes after the blaze started Monday afternoon.
Ware says the fire was not contained as of late Monday.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. krwg