"LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Dangerous, gusty winds were expected to continue Monday across northeast New Mexico, complicating the fight against wildfires that threaten thousands of homes in mountainous rural communities.
The region’s largest city — Las Vegas, New Mexico, home to 13,000 people — was largely safe from danger after firefighters mostly stopped a blaze there from moving east. But the northern and southern flanks of the wildfire proved trickier to contain as wind gusts topped 50 mph (80 kph).
“It’s been a challenging day. The winds have picked up; they haven’t let up,” fire spokesperson Todd Abel said Sunday night.
A so-called “red flag warning” that indicates high fire danger due to heat, low humidity and fast winds will remain in place through Monday night, nearly four days after it began. "
Cedar Attanasio and Kathleen Ronayne report for the Associated Press May 9, 2022.
SEE ALSO:
"Wildfire Threatens 'Cultural Genocide' In New Mexico Villages" (Reuters)
New Mexico Fire Information (Combined agencies)
New Mexico Fire Map (Fire Weather and Avalanche Center)
"New Mexico Firefighters Beg Holdouts To Evacuate Village" (Reuters)
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