Little Bear Fire - 175 structures burned, $11.5 million in damage... so far

Damage assessment update from Lincoln County Assessor Paul Baca – 175 structures destroyed, total value estimate: $11.5 million; assessment is not complete. Summary: Yesterday's break in the weather allowed firefighters to make significant progress. However, firefighters are not lulled into complacency, because the fire is still active and there is strong potential for extreme fire behavior. Crews will use yesterday's progress as a basis for continued progress today. Today, crews will continue working on the west end of the fire, using and improving the trail network as containment line. On the northwest flank, firefighters will protect structures, and continue building line into Nogal Canyon. On the north end crews will hold and improve fireline west from NM 37, while assessing preparation work along the dozer line for possible burnout. On the east and southeast sides firefighters will patrol and mop up along the completed dozer line. Along the southern flank line crews will continue line preparation along NM 532, moving west and burning out as they go. On the southwest corner firefighters will continue contingency line construction and burnout to the line...more