New Mexico fire costs top $65M; blaze moves closer to Taos

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

The biggest wildfire in the U.S. burning in New Mexico east of Santa Fe is spreading north toward mountain resort towns near Taos. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says there have been no reports of widespread damage to homes despite consecutive days of howling winds pushing the massive blaze across the tinder-dry landscape. She called that good news during a briefing Tuesday as crews bulldozed new fire lines and cleared out vegetation round rural communities. The cost so far of fighting the blaze and another smaller fire has hit $65 million. Two more days of high winds are expected before relief Friday.