Firefighters battling huge fire near Timberon in Lincoln National Forest
The Otero County Sheriff’s Office confirms a 200+ acre fire consumed 10 structures and destroyed a firetruck Wednesday afternoon near Timberon. Adding at one point the fire station itself was in jeopardy of burning.
Sheriff’s officials say roads going into the Village of Timberon have been closed off.
They say about 900 people live in the area and about 30 residents have evacuated to a shelter located at Cloudcroft High School in Cloudcroft, NM.
The fire is reportedly moving fast and voluntary evacuations are in effect, the sheriff’s office said.
Sgt Steve Odom of the Otero County Sheriff’s office tells ABC-7 there are close to one hundred firefighters trying to contain the massive blaze.
A man identifying himself as an Otero County firefighter told ABC-7 a reverse 9-1-1 call had been unable to reach people.
The Otero County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone if they have questions about people or property in the Timberon area they can call the office at 575-437-2210.