We are getting two different reports. One claiming that the White Fire is 30% contained, the other saying that the White Fire is 50% contained.The winds whipped up during the night but quickly subdued when a light rain started.
White Fire 50 percent contained
Alamogordo Daily News
By Duane Barbati, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/06/2011 11:06:34 PM MDT
The White Fire north of Ruidoso Downs is 50 percent contained as of Wednesday night, a fire incident command spokeswoman said.
Public Information Officer Margo Witt said the acreage is at 10,341 acres.
"The fire was contained further with winds between 20 and 25 mph," Witt said. "Our fire fighting lines held Wednesday. We're going to continue to monitor the fire throughout the night (on Wednesday). They've been making good progress and today (Wednesday) was a good day to test that progress. They've got some good strong fire fighting lines to hold or continue to contain the fire."
She said the fire is now being contained just north of Ruidoso Downs on Lincoln National Forest land.
"So far we've had no injuries from the fire," Witt said. "We have the Type II team fighting the fire now with several hotshot crews from across the country, New Mexico and engine crews from statewide."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the U.S. Forest Department. It began Sunday in Gavalin Canyon, New Mexico State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware said.
The fire has destroyed five houses in the area and several barns and outbuildings.
I remained awake until late in the evening, unable to sleep with the winds beating the side of this shed. Even though my adult children are no longer on the line - someone's children are, and the fear that the winds would become problematic kept me awake.
Before daylight I was wide awake searching for an update.
The damp had activated the mold in the shed I am staying in, and even before I fully woke up I was freezing cold and smell of damp and mold started to unsettle me. With a few days of high winds forecast I am praying that God will calm the sea - in this case mountain - and give these men and women the chance to get this fire fully contained. Then we will have to worry about the monsoon weather. Ever since Robert Huckins stole our building fund I have spent the spring under water, ankle deep in rain and sewage. My boxed belongings being ruined.
This year that same worry will plague those in the wildfire region who no longer have the growth to retain the rains, and flooding now poses a real danger to those living and working in those area's.
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.~ John F. Kennedy 
