THE TRIGO WILDFIRE IN NEW MEXICO’S MANZANO MOUNTAINS spread out of its containment perimeter Thursday when high winds fanned the fire and spread the embers.
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Albuquerque Journal
The fire began on April 15 and was largely confined to uninhabited areas, moving slowly through mountainous brush and woodlands, but had destroyed nine homes during the last week. The fire had consumed approx. 4,500 acres and was 95% contained Wednesday when the winds picked up. A spot fire started up just north of the containment and spread rapidly as the winds grew to 50 mph.
The wind continued all day Thursday driving the fire through several communities forcing the evacuation of over 400 homes. The flames skirted around the Univ. of New Mexico’s observatory on Capilla Peak, but there were no reports of damage. As of late Thursday night the fire had destroyed 14,000 acres and many more homes including one community of approx. 30 dwellings.
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The high winds have prevented any aerial drops and the severity of the fire has kept any firefighting crews from entering the area. The forecast is calling for the winds to continue through Friday.
The Las Cruces Sun-News has the STORY.
Albuquerque TV station KOB has a full report with some good video coverage of the fire:
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