ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A massive fire that destroyed a dozen homes and several other structures in small New Mexico community has grown and is putting more buildings at risk. Tripling in size in one day, the Whitewater and Baldy fires merged to cover 110 square miles of the Gila National Forest. Winds and erratic flames forced firefighters to sit on the sidelines yesterday.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Albuquerque officials have issued a health alert through Sunday as smoke from wildfires is expected to move into the city. The city says smoke from the Gila Mountains fire was moving in overnight and air quality may deteriorate more this afternoon as southwest winds push smoke directly toward Albuquerque. Poor air quality may continue into Sunday morning.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A jury has acquitted a La Cienega man of cockfighting charges. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Raul Trinidad-Enriquez was found not guilty yesterday of 12 counts of cockfighting-related charges, citing a lack of evidence. Santa Fe County deputies and animal-control officers originally confiscated 71 animals from Trinidad-Enriquez's home in 2010.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Susana Martinez has ordered flags flown at half-staff across New Mexico today in honor of the state's latest fallen soldier, Army Staff Sgt. Israel Nuanes. The Silver City-born Nuanes, who lived in Las Cruces, was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month by an enemy attack with an explosive device. He was the recipient of Bronze Star Medal. Nuanes is survived by his two children.
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