Fire crews in southern New Mexico are battling a blaze that has destroyed 35 structures, including parts of a ski resort.
Southbound winds may push The Little Bear fire closer to the to the village of Ruidoso, which has a population of about 8,000. The forest service asked residents in seven neighborhoods to evacuate.
As of Monday morning the fire burned 35,000 acres within Lincoln National Forest. The local paper reported some of the damage included the home of a former police chief and several mobile homes. The fire also destroyed ski lifts at the nearby Ski Apache resort.
A lightning strike started the fire last week. Governor Susana Martinez visited the area Sunday and announced 200 National Guardsmen will be assisting with firefighting efforts.
