Wind whips destructive wildfires in New Mexico, Colorado

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN and PAUL DAVENPORT
Associated Press

Firefighters are battling a wind-driven blaze that has burned at least 150 homes, barns and other structures in a mountain community in drought-stricken New Mexico. The blaze on the northeastern side of Ruidoso was fueled by winds between 50 and 90 mph when it was sparked Tuesday. Close to 4,000 residents were displaced by early evacuations, and village officials announced Wednesday afternoon that residents were being forced to leave a more populated area after the flames jumped a road. Some airtankers resumed an aerial attack late Wednesday after high winds kept them grounded much of the day. Meanwhile, crews in Colorado were fighting two grass fires that forced temporary evacuations.