Timberon fire burns 290 acres, more than 30 structures destroyed

Gov. Susana Martinez says federal funding will help cover the costs associated with fighting a blaze that has destroyed homes and burned nearly a half square mile in southern New Mexico.

Martinez was briefed Thursday by fire officials on efforts to corral the blaze, which forced the evacuations of dozens of residents who live in and around the community of Timberon Wednesday night.

Martinez caught a glimpse of the fire as she flew in on a National Guard helicopter. The governor activated the state emergency operations center to help coordinate the response to the fire in Otero County.

Officials told ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom 31 structures were destroyed and dozens more appeared to be in danger. More than 160 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which has burned about 290 acres.

For the University of New Mexico’s map of fires in the state, click here.

Some roads are closed in the area. A multi-agency fire information service also reports Thursday morning that there are downed power lines in the area.

There are no reported injuries. Timberon is 25 miles southeast of Alamogordo.

For information on wildfires and brush fires in the State of New Mexico, click here.