MANZANO, N.M. --
Nine homes have been destroyed after a fire in the Manzano Mountains took a nail-biting run between the towns of Manzano and Torreon.
A damage assessment team reported Monday that nine homes were destroyed by a Trigo Fire flame front that swept over the Manzano Mountains Sunday afternoon. John Cordova, Manager of the Torrance County Office of Emergency Services, said nine homes, nine outbuildings and two recreational vehicles succumbed to the fire. No personal injuries were reported. Fire officials said they aren't sure whether anyone had been living in the homes.
Wind gusts of over 40 mph hampered firefighting efforts Monday as the Trigo fire progressed to the east where most of the people live.
Flames are coming dangerously close to many homes near Manzano and threatening hundreds of others. Fire information officer Deanna Younger said voluntary evacuations remain in effect for Manzano and Torreon.
Evacuation centers at Mountainair High School and Estancia Community Center remained closed Monday because so few people showed up.
A flare-up occurred on the western side of the Trigo Fire in Valencia County near Meadowlake at around 2 p.m.
The fire has consumed more than 3,750 acres, nearly triple the size it was early Sunday. And fire crews said they have virtually no containment on the fire because it has grown so quickly.
Officials estimate the cost of fighting the blaze at $1,870,000. Torreon County Emergency officials said the county could declare a state of emergency for additional funding.
Officials said some fire crews from the Phoenix area on the way to New Mexico to help battle the Trigo Fire.
The Sun City and Surprise fire departments are sending firefighters and equipment, while the Peoria and Mesa fire departments are sending only crews.
Officials said firefighters from the Phoenix area will be providing structure protection for the blaze.
Voluntary evacuations were issued Sunday for people in Manzano and Torreon. Cordova said the voluntary evacuations affect about 200 people.
The Red Cross set up shelters at Mountainair High School at 901 West Third Street, Mountainair and at the Estancia Community Center on Williams Street in Estancia. But they closed those shelters late Sunday night because very few people showed up to ask for help. The shelters remained closed Monday because so few people showed up.
Estancia livestock is being herded to the Torrance County Fairgrounds.
Officials with the forest service are advising that residents in Tajique be ready to evacuate next.
Fire officials are not issuing an evacuation order for Estancia, Moriarty or other Sandia mountain communities.
For information about Red Cross services, to volunteer, and to make a financial contribution to support this and other local disasters call 505-265-8514 or 1-800-560-2302.
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