Timberon Fire partially contained

TIMBERON, N.M. (KRQE) - Fire crews are resting up after before resuming the hard-fought battle to contain the Timberon Fire burning in southern New Mexico.

At last report Thursday evening firefighters had a line around 20 percent of the 140 acre fire that charged through part of the community of Timberon.

The fire has destroyed four homes, five outbuildings and 10 cars, according to official reports.

"It's the first home ever purchased," evacuated resident Toni Childers told KRQE News 13. "I got it seven months ago.

"It's all I have. If it's gone, it's gone"

Fire information officer Darlene Hart said officials are still sorting out is whether the burned homes were full-time residences or vacation properties.

"The only thing we can't confirm now is if they were primary homes with people actually living there or second homes," she said.

With clear skies and cooler temperatures overnight, officials are hoping for even better containment in the morning.

The fire has not covered a lot of ground, but the flames were intense and destructive. Yet the flames spared several houses left unscathed in the middle of the burn area.

Flames erupted early Wednesday afternoon. The cause remains under investigation although residents said the skies were clear ruling out lightning.

Timberon sits at about 7,100 feet elevation in the Sacramento Mountains 25 miles southeast of Alamogordo and on the southern boundary of the Lincoln National Forest. About 300 people live there.

During the height of the fire Wednesday officials said flames threatened 70 structures. With evacuations urged 15 people checked in at an American Red Cross shelter set up at Cloudcroft High School 30 miles north of Timberon.

On Thursday firefighters concentrated today on containment clearing fire lines, burning off extra fuel and watching for hot spots that might flare up.

"Just from what I have seen out there they are making tremendous progress," Hart said. "It is a dangerous situation in mop-up.

"This afternoon we have high temps, low humidity. The winds are helping us out a little because they are not that strong."

A handful of firefighters will remain on the mountain overnight.

Fire officials said they may know where this fire started but not how.

They're also urging all New Mexicans to exercise extreme fire safety when in the wilderness.