Strong winds fuel New Mexico wildfires, prompt evacuations

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Strong spring winds are fueling wildfires in New Mexico and prompting evacuations south of Albuquerque where some structures have burned. About 100 firefighters were battling the latest blaze that broke out Monday sent up a large plume of smoke that could be seen for miles in the Rio Grande Valley. A shelter has been set up at a community center in rural Belen. KOAT-TV footage showed at least one residence burning near Rio Communities. In northern New Mexico near Las Vegas, a larger interagency team with more than 170 firefighters assumed command of a prescribed fire that jumped containment lines last week and has burned about a square mile.