Gila Fire Haze Drifts Into Las Cruces Area
The massive fire in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico continues to grow, making it the largest forest fire in the state’s history.
Fire officials said Wednesday the erratic White Water Baldy fire complex has grown to more than 170,000 acres. It’s also the largest currently burning in the country.
About 1,200 firefighters from around the state were in the isolated region to battle the growing blaze. But low humidity and shifting winds are making it difficult to fight blaze, which has destroyed a dozen homes.
Haze from the fire has drifted into the Las Cruces area.
The fire — which grew when two fires merged — has surpassed a blaze last year that burned more than 156,000 acres and threatened the Los Alamos nuclear facility.
