Little Bear Fire 60 percent contained

RUIDOSO, N.M.   – Firefighters battling a wildfire in southern New
Mexico that has destroyed 242 homes and businesses are working Sunday
to increase containment and keep an eye out for possible lightning.

The 59-square-mile Little Bear Fire in Ruidoso is now 60 percent contained.

Most of the fire is in the mop-up stage but  crews need to build more
containment on the fire’s active west side to deprive it of fuel.

Fire fighting crews were concerned about a 20 percent chance of
thunderstorms that could bring lightning and more fire starts, but
the storms may not develop.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack planned to travel to
Albuquerque yesterday to meet with officials leading the response to
wildfires in the state.