By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces firefighters extinguished a residential structure fire on Thursday afternoon but not before flames and smoke caused extensive damage to the home.
Firefighters were called to 1670 Mariposa Drive, east of the Las Cruces Country Club, just before 2 p.m. today and found smoke and flames emitting from the roof of the single-story home. The majority of the flames were extinguished within minutes of the firefighters' arrival and hot spots were put out within an hour.
Fire investigators learned that a resident of the home - the sole occupant at the time - safely evacuated after passers-by alerted the woman to smoke emitting from the house. Two dogs were found in the backyard and were taken to safety.
No major injuries were reported though heavy, low-lying smoke did make breathing somewhat difficult.
The home's garage and a den appeared to bear the brunt of the damage, but flames also entered the home's attic and smoke spread throughout the house.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. Fire investigators are on scene and will attempt to determine the origin of the fire and the extent of the damages.