5 homes, several barns damaged in fast grass fire that forced evacuation of NM race track

Firefighters battled a wind-driven wildfire Monday that has already destroyed five homes, forced evacautions and knocked oput plower to about 1,000 homes and businesses, officials said. More than 100 people at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino were ordered evacuated Sunday as were several neighborhoods in the community of Ruidoso Downs. New Mexico Forestry Division spokesman Dan Ware confirmed that the buildings were damaged by the wind-driven blaze, which had not been contained. He said it has scorched more than 2,000 acres, or over 3 square miles, on private, state and federal land in southern New Mexico. Ware said he did not know the locations of the homes but that several barns were destroyed that were east of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino, which is home to the All-American Futurity. The race is one of the richest in quarter horse racing; last year’s winner earned $1 million...more