By Andrew Hay

(Reuters] – Police said that an elderly couple was killed trying to evacuate Ruidoso from a wildfire, New Mexico. It has destroyed dozens and forced thousands of people to leave the mountain village.

After family members reported to police that they tried to flee their Ruidoso home, the remains of the couple were discovered at their northeast Ruidoso residence on Thursday.

According to authorities, the couple was the first victims of the McBride Fire, which started Tuesday afternoon. It has destroyed 5,381 acres (22,178 ha) of land and more than 150 structures. Most of these were homes.

A combination of dry and gusting winds fueled the flames, sending them through densely forested canyons that are home to many homes.

Kerry Gladden, spokesperson for the local government said that more than 5,000 residents were made to move out of their homes in this resort town, which is home to around 8,000 people.

New Mexico, like other west states is experiencing an early start of its fire season. Fires spread quickly through the grassland and forest areas that are suffering severe drought.

Property losses have been some of the worst in New Mexico since the McBride Fire in 2010. This fire was one of around 12 wildfires that erupted in New Mexico or West Texas.