Wildfire Near Ruidoso Spreads; Campgrounds Evacuated

A wildfire near Ruidoso grew dramatically Friday, and New Mexico Forestry officials are calling for backup.

Lightning started the Little Bear fire Monday in the Lincoln National Forest.

Firefighters had completely contained the fire by the end of the week, but high winds Friday caused the flames to jump the fire line, scorching between 1,000 and 2,000 acres.

The fire was being mapped by GPS and a more accurate estimate of the size would be available Saturday, officials said.

The glow of Little Bear could be seen from the village of Ruidoso, just 15 miles away Friday night.

The fire, burning in the steep, rugged terrain of the White Mountain Wilderness above Bonito Lake, is not threatening any structures, said forestry spokesman Dan Ware Friday afternoon.

Firefighters in the Smokey Bear Ranger District have called for 36 engines, 3 helicopters, and heavy air tankers to help fight the fire over the weekend.

State Highway 532 Ski Run Road at Mile Marker 3 has been closed.

The following campgrounds have been evacuated: All campgrounds West of Bonito Lake, Villa Madonna Subdivision, Eagle Lakes Campground, Eagle Creek Summer Homes, and Ski Apache. A shelter for evacuees will be set up at the Nazarene Church on Highway 48.

Stay with ABC-7 for the latest information.