Firefighters raced Thursday to build break lines ahead of the wind-whipped Monument Fire, which has burned 40 homes outside of Sierra Vista and placed more people on the verge of evacuation in the southern tip of the state. The Monument Fire started Sunday in the Coronado National Monument at the southern tip of the Huachuca Mountains near the Mexican border but shot north through canyons south of Sierra Vista.
Among those affected by the pre-evacuation notice is the 400-acre Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Started in 1975, it is wildlife sanctuary of sorts, home to many animals not seen elsewhere in the state.
Employees have already started moving items out of the visitor center in anticipation of a mandatory evacuation.
Some of the animal species amid the unique landscape are more traditionally seen in South America.
Arizona fires: At Monument Fire, crews face tough conditions
Another fire in New Mexico also:
Fire breaks out in Ruidoso (4:19 p.m.) Today.
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