Wind-driven wildfire destroys homes in New Mexico

SILVER CITY, N.M. – A wildfire being pushed by gusty winds has destroyed as many as 15 homes and is threatening more near the southwest New Mexico town of Silver City.

State forestry spokesman Dan Ware says a subdivision and other homes have been evacuated as wind gusts as high as 50 mph continue to push the flames. No injuries have been reported.

The blaze broke out at about 2:30 p.m. Monday in grass and oak scrub and had burned between 500 and 1,000 acres by nightfall.

Fire crews are trying to focus on protecting homes when possible.