Fire crews in New Mexico are battling gusty winds and decreasing humidity as they fight to contain the two wildfires burning in the Santa Fe National Forest. The blazes have burned more than 20 square miles since igniting late last week.
Growth of the Tres Lagunas Fire, burning in an area about 25 miles east of the city of Santa Fe, has slowed in recent days. So far it has burned about 8500 acres, and despite Monday’s winds remains 7 percent contained.
The Thompson Ridge Fire, however, more than doubled in size over night, and now covers about 4,400 acres. Containment as of Tuesday morning was 5 percent.
Nearly 200 homes in the area have been evacuated. State Forestry Officials say it’s unclear when evacuees will be allowed to return home.
Meanwhile, in California, all evacuations have been lifted for almost 3,000 residents whose homes were threatened by the Powerhouse Fire. The 50 square mile blaze is now 60 percent contained.
