Free Republic

Evacuations underway in north Lovington New Mexico as a large uncontrolled grass fire approaches the semi-rural area on the north side of town. Listen to fire, sheriff and rescue personal evacuate residents and defend residences. Google Earth Location: 32.966823° -103.352115°

A fast-moving grass fire burning in southeastern New Mexico is threatening an oil refinery and several other structures. Authorities said the wind-driven fire broke out Monday morning near Lovington. It has jumped two state highways and has charred an estimated 25,000 acres of private and state land. State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware said firefighters were trying to the stop the blaze at New Mexico Highway 18. If the flames jump that road, several more structures could be threatened.