Rain slows wildfires burning in NM

ALBUQUERQUE — Crews in central New Mexico were close Friday to fully reining in a destructive fire with help from Mother Nature.

Up to three inches of rain fell on the blaze that has been burning in the Manzano Mountains southeast of Albuquerque. Fire activity was significantly reduced.

Farther north, firefighters were working to keep a small wildfire from spreading in the Santa Fe watershed along the border of the Pecos Wilderness.

The blaze in the central state was more than 80 percent contained after charring 28 square miles. Officials are concerned about the possibility of post-fire flooding in areas left barren by the blaze.

Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson said residents who are returning to their homes after being evacuated last week need to be aware of the threat that monsoon season could bring.

"The bottom line is summer rains after a major forest fire can make a bad situation worse, and we want people to be prepared to leave quickly," Johnson said.

Aerial surveys assessing the severity of the burn have been completed, and the U.S. Forest Service expects to have recommendations prepared by July 1 for mitigating any flood threats.

Officials with the federal Small Business Administration also are assessing damage.

The human-caused blaze destroyed 24 homes and numerous other structures near Chilili, one of several villages and subdivisions bordering Cibola National Forest.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell was expected on Friday to tour areas damaged by the fire with members of the state's congressional delegation.

In northern New Mexico, hot shot crews and helicopters were battling a blaze in a rugged area just 3 miles from one of Santa Fe's municipal reservoirs. The fire was estimated at less than 8 acres, and officials said crews were making progress.

Showers and thunderstorms have helped contain the fire. More moisture was expected over the weekend.