Wildfires heating up in N.M., neighbors

SANTE FE, N.M. (AP) - Firefighters from around New Mexico continue to battle the 410-acre Whitewater Fire in the Gila National Forest.

Officials said Friday nearly 60 firefighters were dispatch to southwest New Mexico to help battle the fire in steep, rough, rugged terrain in mixed conifer.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire, located 10 miles northeast of Glenwood, is burning in all directions but mostly to the east.

Smoke was visible from U.S. Highway 180.

There were no reports of evacuations but the blaze forced the closure of at least seven trails.

Elsewhere:

CROWN KING, Ariz. - Strong winds continue to fuel a wildfire burning north of Phoenix that has now grown to nearly 16 square miles.

Fire spokesman Mike King said Friday the 10,000-acre Gladiator Fire has spread its flames north and east. Gusts going at 40 mph and low humidity have made the fire difficult for crews to contain.

The fire prompted an evacuation order Sunday for Crown King, a historic mining town about 85 miles north of Phoenix. Most of its 350 residents have evacuated.

The fire, which is 5 percent contained, has destroyed three homes and a trailer.

The blaze started at a home, but investigators haven't determined the cause.

LIVERMORE, Colo. - More than 500 firefighters at a wildfire burning 12 square miles in northern Colorado expect warm stormy weather will make their work more difficult.

Rising temperatures and dry thunderstorms are forecast Friday.

Fifteen homes remain under evacuation orders but the residents of 65 homes have been allowed to return. Firefighters were able to burn out areas near those homes to serve as a buffer.

Fire managers hope to allow the remaining evacuees to return in the evening.

The fire is about 5 percent contained. Two planes and five helicopters were also available to fight the fire.

Gov. John Hickenlooper has declared a disaster emergency to allow $3 million of the state's disaster fund to be spent fighting the fire.