Hundreds Evacuated in Colorado, NM

Communities in New Mexico and Colorado continued evacuations Monday as wildfires spread through forested areas of the states. In southern New Mexico, fire officials used aircraft and ground crews to try to harness a blaze that has already eaten through 40 square miles and destroyed an estimated 36 structures. “Any communities around this fire have the potential of being evacuated,” said a spokesman for firefighters in Ruidoso, N.M. “Don’t wait until the sheriff’s office comes knocking at your door and tells you to evacuate.” In Colorado, authorities have reportedly sent phone messages to 1,800 people, asking them to evacuate, and Red Cross shelters have registered about 500 people.