Fire destroys family home in Capitan

Feb. 28--A grass fire Monday in Capitan burned 31 acres, destroying several structures, including one family home.

"They lost everything in the fire, everything they owned," Capitan Police Chief Randy Spear said of homeowners Karen and Clifford Wood. "They need help from the community, clothing, anything."

A gofundme account has been established to help the Woods.

Spencer Baldwin, Lincoln County's Office of Emergency Services coordinator, said Wednesday that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

"Capitan Fire Department was paged out about 12:30 p.m., Monday, for a grass fire," he said. "The cause of the structures burning is under investigation, but does seem to be part of the initial fire that started about a quarter mile north of Capitan on New Mexico 246."

The fire was brought under control in about three hours, he said.

According to family friends and the gofundme posting, the flames were caught by extreme wind gusts and took off toward a residential area. The fire turned north, but the Wood's house was directly in its path.

The Woods are long-time residents of Capitan and although they had trouble making ends meet, they did what they had to do to get by, the posting stated. Clifford works two jobs to support their household of three.

At the time of the fire, Karen was asleep in the home and barely woke in time to get her brother and dog out of the house and into their vehicle. All of her medications and glasses were left behind in the home. One cat died in the fire.

"We are seeking the help of the community as they did not have insurance on their home at the time of the fire and therefore, they have no way of recovering their loss," the posting stated. "Anything helps. Thank you all in advance for your help."

Donations of household goods, clothing or any other items for the family can be taken to DJ's Thrift Store on NM 48, near the county fairgrounds in Capitan.

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