NM wildlife destroys 15 homes, eases overnight

SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico officials say activity on a wind-driven wildfire that destroyed up to 15 homes has eased, and crews were able to build containment lines overnight.

State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware says the wildfire near Silver City had burned nearly 1,800 acres, or almost 3 square miles, by early Tuesday. That's up from 500-1,000 acres burned as of Monday night.

High winds had prevented firefighters from calling in water dropping-helicopters or planes after the blaze started Monday afternoon.