Thousands wonder whether they'll have homes in light of Little Bear Fire burning north of Ruidoso

KOB - Nearly 6,000 people filled the Ruidoso High School gym to question authorities about how close the Little Bear Fire will get to their homes. Officials said at least 25 structures have burned in the latest fire to hit New Mexico. However, it’s unclear right now how many people lost their homes, and how many acres the fire actually burned. On Sunday, crews said the fire in southeastern New Mexico had charred more than 26,000 acres. “Everything is there,” Alto, NM resident Elaine Grimes said. “I could lose everything. It's in god's hands now.” The Little Bear fire was only few acres on Wednesday. Spot fires developed outside of the lines thanks to windy conditions and by Saturday morning more than 10,000 acres had been charred. Fire information officers say summer homes and campgrounds in the area about 15 miles north of Ruidoso were evacuated late Friday. Crews said evacuations were also sent out to homes along N.M. 48 from Capitan to Angus and on N.M. 37 to 380. Those routes are also closed. There was no immediate word on how many people were evacuated. Shelters were set up at churches in Ruidoso and Capitan. Evacuees can go to Gateway Church and the Methodist Church on Sudderth in Ruidoso. People near Capitan can go to Trinity Church and the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The J Bar J Ranch just west of Ruidoso on U.S. 70 is available for livestock. Crews haven't had a chance to do a formal damage assessment. Read More News New Mexico

Thousands wonder whether they'll have homes in light of Little Bear Fire burning north of Ruidoso