Wallow Fire Poised To Move Into New Mexico

The massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that has claimed more than 30 homes and cabins and forced nearly 10,000 people to flee was poised to move into New Mexico on Friday, threatening more towns and possibly endangering two major power lines that bring electricity from Arizona to West Texas.

Much of the growth toward New Mexico has been from fires started by crews trying to burn out fuels ahead of the blaze so it can be stopped, Whittington said. That technique allows the fires to be controlled and less hot. But there is little doubt it will cross the border, he said.

“This fire is eventually going to get there, so we want something to check it when it does,” he said.

The fire doesn’t appear to have moved into New Mexico yet, Catron County Undersheriff Ian Fletcher said. He said fire crews were cutting down trees and burning fuels along U.S. 180 near the Arizona border.

“I’m not sure when we’re going to get to the point of it actually getting here,” he said at midday Friday. Residents of about 100 homes in a subdivision near the border were still being kept away, and about the 200 residents of Luna were prepared to evacuate.

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez visited the Reserve area Friday to discuss fire preparations.

“I want be sure that the folks here in this county understand that we’re going to bring whatever resources are necessary, (I) want to make sure we do not lose life, that we do not lose property and that any kind of lievstock is protected,” said Martinez.

Both Luna and the county seat of Reserve were being powered by a large generator because of worries that electricity to the area would be cut, Fletcher said.

Deputies have gone to scattered homes in a remote area known as the Blue Range on the state line south of Luna to warn people that they should leave.

“Some have, some haven’t,” Fletcher said. “You always have some who say they’ll be OK and then they have to scramble and try to get out at the last minute.”

Whittington said Friday afternoon the fire may be moving into that area.

Authorities suspect the 408,876-acre blaze burning since May 29 was sparked by a campfire. It is the second-largest wildfire in state history.

Story By Susan Montoya Bryan