Udall: New Mexico dodged bullet with blaze in Manzanos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The dry conditions and sweltering temperatures that had fueled a wildfire that charred 28 square miles in central New Mexico were memories Friday as showers and thunderstorms allowed hundreds of firefighters to close in on the remaining hot spots.

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

Aside from more favorable firefighting weather, Tidwell said it was the thinning of vegetation and other preparations made in the Manzanos in recent years that kept the fire from being more severe.

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 several acres, and officials said crews were making progress thanks to showers and thunderstorms.