Manzano wildfire blamed on lost boys

MANZANO, N.M. (KRQE) - The wildfire burning in the Manzano Mountains Thursday evening was started by two lost teenaged boys signaling for help, Torrance County Sheriff Heath White told KRQE News 13.

The boys, who were camping with a group, will face charges, he added.

As sunset approached fire teams on the ground and in the air were attacking what had grown into three fires as winds flew embers ahead of the main blaze.

The U.S. Forest Service estimated the fire at more than three acres.

The fire about 3.5 miles west of the village of Manzano was reported around 5:30 p.m. bringing local first responders followed by firefighting aircraft.  The aircraft were to make water drops as long as sufficient light remains.

The Forest Service also called out a Type 3 fire team schedule to stage at the Mountainair Ranger District office Friday morning.

Residents of two homes were evacuated as a precaution.