New Mexico wildfire threatens Smokey the Bear's home

One of the serious forest fires in New Mexico is in the area where the legendary Smokey the Bear was found as a cub. The "Little Bear" fire is burning in the Smokey the Bear Ranger District, White Mountain Wilderness and Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico near Ruidoso. The forest is where the scared bear cub was rescued in 1950. He went on to become the symbol of the U.S. Forest Service, with an animated version growling, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" in public service announcements.The good news is that so far, fire has not threatened Smokey's grave, which is in nearby Capitan, N.M. As of late Sunday, the Smokey Bear Motel and Restaurant there was open for business. A restaurant staffer said Capitan was not affected by the fire. And late Sunday also brought encouraging reports that the Little Bear fire was 60% contained...more