State of emergency delcared after wildfire destroys 67 structures, 30 vehicles in Timberon

Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency Friday in response to the Timberon Wildfire in Otero County. The Governor’s declaration will enable the county to order and pay for additional resources needed to help with this emergency.

“At the state level, we’ve activated our Emergency Operations Center, made available all state resources, and requested federal assistance. And now, with this declaration of emergency, we can help the county secure funding to pay for additional resources they need as we battle this fire,” said Governor Martinez.

Thursday, the Governor ordered the activation of New Mexico’s Emergency Operations Center to assist in the coordinated response to the fire. State agencies assisting include State Police, Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, and State Forestry.

Authorities say the wildfire in the southern New Mexico mountain village of Timberon has destroyed 67 structures and numerous vehicles and is now 16 percent contained. 260 acres have been burned so far.

The containment figure means firefighters have secured that percentage of the fire’s perimeter to keep the fire from growing.

An update provided Friday by fire incident commanders says approximately 30 vehicles were destroyed or damaged, including 14 recreational vehicles.

Homes account for at least 30 of the destroyed or damaged homes. ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom has learned at least 40 electricity poles were destroyed by the fire.

Crews are constructing and improving fire lines and removing debris and dangerous trees in the burn area.

The fire started Wednesday and has burned nearly a half square-mile. Cause is under investigation.

One minor injury – a sprained ankle – has been reported.

Timberon is 25 miles southeast of Alamogordo.