White fire human caused

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM - Investigators say the White Fire burning near Ruidoso is human-caused.

On Wednesday Gov. Susana Martinez toured the site, met with victims and tried to reassure firefighters that they're going to get everything they need during this very busy fire season.

The White Fire is only 35 percent contained as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. It's smoldering but not growing in Gavilan Canyon. Blackened land stretches for more than 10 square miles; 80 percent of that is in the Lincoln National Forest.

Wednesday morning Martinez gasped at the bald mountain behind the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. She says she wants to make sure the weather and rough terrain are the only obstacles crews face this fire season.

"We are going to have fires, and we are shoring up the budget in a way to make sure we have money available in order to make sure the job's getting done on the ground," Martinez said. "People are putting their lives on the line to suppress these fires, and we have to make sure the resources are at hand at all times."

The governor also met with victims like Faye Randolph, an evacuee. Randolph's home was spared, but her daughter wasn't as lucky.

"I was crying and praying, and I said, well, God help us," Randloph told the governor.

More than 500 people are on scene working to contain the White Fire. Firefighters say homes are no longer threatened, but it is difficult to build a containment line due to the rough terrain. So far five homes burned. The exact cause is still under investigation