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New Mexico Wildfire Destroys 24 Homes, 21 Other Buildings

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire burning in tinder dry forest and grassland in central New Mexico southeast of Albuquerque has destroyed 24 homes and 21 minor structures. Fire managers released the damage information overnight after saying previously that the blaze destroyed some structures near the small community of Chilili as it made a big push Wednesday night. Approximately 630 personnel are assigned to the fire. It has burned 25 square miles since it started Tuesday morning. The cause remains under investigation. Gov. Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency hours before residents in Chilili, Mercid, Escobosa and Yrisarri were forced to leave their homes Wednesday.