Thursday, May 31,2012
By: Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley
The wildfire currently burning in New Mexico's Gila National Forest has continued to expand and now ranks as the largest blaze ever in the state.
The fire originally started as a pair of smaller fires started by lightning strikes. However, they later merged and the fire now occupies approximately 300 square miles. Property and home insurance losses have been relatively low, considering the fire's location in the national forest, but 19 structures have been destroyed.
The Associated Press reports more than 1,000 firefighters are currently working to battle the conditions, but are having difficulty containing the fire. New Mexico's governor has already activated some members of the National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts.
"The U.S. Forest Service continues to fight this blaze and the state will assist that effort where lives and property of New Mexicans are in danger," said Governor Susana Martinez.
While the Gila wildfire is currently the largest nationwide, others are causing significant damage. Officials say a fire in Michigan has already destroyed nearly 100 structures.
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