The Latest: Wildfires burn across the Western US
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The Latest on wildfires in the Western U.S. (all times local):
7:39 a.m.
A wildfire burning in tinder dry forest and grassland in central New Mexico southeast of Albuquerque has destroyed 24 homes and 21 minor structures.
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Fire managers released the damage information overnight after saying previously that the blaze destroyed some structures near the small community of Chilili as it made a big push Wednesday night.
Approximately 630 personnel are assigned to the fire. It has burned 25 square miles since it started Tuesday morning.
The cause remains under investigation.
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Gov. Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency hours before residents in Chilili, Mercid, Escobosa and Yrisarri were forced to leave their homes Wednesday.