Wildfire in South Central Mountains, New Mexico

A human-caused wildfire begun in Gavilan Canyon and quickly spread north and northeast as very strong winds fueled the fire. The White Fire crossed Highway 70 near Ruidoso Downs and continued to move toward Forest Service Road 120. Highway 70 between mile markers 265 and 271 was closed for a time. Much of the burned area consists of steep, rough and rocky terrain, which made it difficult to contain the fire. In all, 10,384 acres were scorched, 5 homes and 7 outbuildings were destroyed and another 2 homes and 2 outbuildings were damaged.

As a storm system approached New Mexico on the 3rd, the mid level gradient and surface pressure gradient increased sharply, leading to high, damaging winds. These strong winds fueled a new wildfire near Ruidoso.