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Little Bear Fire 95 Percent Contained

A New Mexico wildfire that destroyed 242 homes and businesses is now 95 percent contained as crews finish mopping up around the fire's perimeter.

Crews demobilized some equipment Friday as they restored containment lines around the 69-square-mile Little Bear fire to a more natural state. Firefighters were also able to take advantage of rain on the blaze's southern end.

The lightning-caused fire is burning near Ruidoso and started June 4.

Businesses in Ruidoso are open despite some road closures due to fire operations.

Meanwhile, crews continue fighting the Whitewater-Baldy blaze, the largest fire in the state's recorded history at more than 465 square miles.

That fire remained 87 percent contained Friday. It began as two lightning-caused blazes on May 16 that merged to form one giant wildfire.