Residents who evacuated there homes in the towns of Manzano and Torreon, NM returned to skeletal structures Tuesday (4/22).

More than nine homes have been destroyed in the area. Gov. Bill Richardson also took to the air to tour the Trigo, New Mexico fire burning in the Manzano Mountains.

The fire, which has burned more than 41 hundred acres, has destroyed at least nine homes and about the same number of other structures.

Firefighters have the fire about 27 percent contained, and are aiming to have it one-third contained by the end of the day. At a news conference, Richardson said people need to be more vigilant about
keeping their properties clear of brush and trash so crews have room to attack fires.

The fire is expected to cost millions of dollars to fight, but the Federal
Emergency Management Agency has agreed to pay for three-quarters of the cost.

Earlier voluntary evacuations for the towns of Manzano and Torreon have been lifted, but fire officials are asking people to be ready to evacuate if necessary.