TIMBERON, N.M. -- Three homes have been lost to a wildfire in Timberon, New Mexico, located about 75 miles northeast of El Paso.

Firefighters said they still haven't brought it under control.

As of 9 a.m. Thursday the fire was zero percent contained, but firefighters were making great strides at tackling the fire.

Fire information officer Darlene Hart said firefighters are not sure exactly how the fire started, but she said it started in the early-morning hours Wednesday.

More than 100 firefighters from across the state are helping to save homes and private land.

Thursday afternoon they hit hot spots that were just yards away from homes. Three are destroyed and another was damaged. Ten cars have also been burned. So far, the wildfire has charred 140 acres

About 20 people have been asked to evacuate the area, and they are still not able to return to their homes.

The forest service said it's battling higher-than-usual temperatures, wind and low humidity, making it a little tougher to get the fire immediately under control. It was last reported at 20 percent contained by early evening Wednesday.

“They did not want anyone in the area obviously there is still safety issues with some fires still in the area. They will people know when they can return to look at their houses and so forth,” said information officer Darlene Hart.

An evacuation area has been set up at the Cloudcroft High School about 45 minutes north of Timberon. Hart said not many people have taken advantage of the offer but it is still available.

Some residents have found other hotels to stay in while they are waiting to return home.