Fire in New Mexico burns 1,500 acres and home

CORONA, N.M. (AP) _ Fire crews who were pulled off a wildfire that burned more than 1,500 acres and a ranch house resumed work early Saturday, hoping to beat a rush of 45-mph wind. <br/><br/>The fire,

Saturday, May 22nd 2004, 11:37 am

By: News On 6

CORONA, N.M. (AP) _ Fire crews who were pulled off a wildfire that burned more than 1,500 acres and a ranch house resumed work early Saturday, hoping to beat a rush of 45-mph wind.

The fire, the state's first large one of the wildfire season, was reported Friday morning in the Cibola National Forest near Corona. By early afternoon, the wind pushed the flames from tree to tree.

Fire crews were pulled off the fire late Friday because windy conditions and darkness created dangerous firefighting conditions.

Winds were around 18 mph early Saturday but were expected to increase. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a wind advisory from noon until Saturday evening for much of eastern New Mexico, including the burn area.

``The increased winds are going to present a challenge,'' fire information officer Mark Chavez said.

A home on the Sanchez Ranch about 10 miles from Corona was burned as the fire moved through there, Chavez said. The ranch was evacuated earlier Friday. Another structure burned, but fire officials did not immediately release any details.

The fire also burned through an area where television, communication and microwave towers were located.

Officials are investigating the cause.