Strong winds complicate New Mexico wildfire fight

Dangerous, gusty winds were expected to continue Monday across northeast New Mexico, complicating the fight against wildfires that threaten thousands of homes in mountainous rural communities.

A so-called “red flag warning” that indicates high fire danger due to heat, low humidity and fast winds will remain in place through Monday night.

In addition to fanning and spreading the flames, these winds keep air tankers and light planes grounded. That left them unable to drop water directly on the fire.

Officials were concerned about winds that had whipped up more flames on the northern edge of the fire near some very small communities of several hundred people.