"Strong Winds Batter New Mexico, Complicating Wildfire Fight" [1]
"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. [2]
SEE ALSO:
"Wildfire Threatens 'Cultural Genocide' In New Mexico Villages" (Reuters) [3]
New Mexico Fire Information (Combined agencies) [4]
New Mexico Fire Map (Fire Weather and Avalanche Center) [5]
"New Mexico Firefighters Beg Holdouts To Evacuate Village" (Reuters) [7]