Editor’s note: As of 3:19 p.m. MDT on June 28, 2011 this story has been updated. See: Las Conchas Wildfire Burns Pajarito Ski  Area

Los Alamos, NM – Pajarito is now the third New Mexico ski hill under threat of becoming scorched by wildfire this summer as the 60,741-acre Las Conchas blaze rages in the mountains surrounding Los Alamos.

The fire swelled by 39 percent in size from 43,597 acres estimated earlier on Tuesday morning. Crews are working this morning to try and contain the fire, which began on private property southwest of Los Alamos on Sunday afternoon. It is presently zero percent contained and some 30 structures have already been destroyed. Three helicopters, two Hotshot crews, nine hand crews, five dozers and thirteen engines have been fighting the fire and more are expected to arrive today. A Type 1 Incident Command Team arrived Monday afternoon from the massive fires burning in Arizona.

“Fire crews are continuing to actively work the area around the Los Alamos Ski Hill this evening in their on-going and vigilant efforts to safeguard Los Alamos and Pajarito Canyons overnight,” the Los Alamos County Public Information Office said in a news release issued Monday evening. “Winds have calmed this evening and relative humidity has increased which are assisting with fire fighting efforts. Crews are patrolling the vicinity under the ski hill for spot fires.”

Los Alamos’ 12,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders as the blaze has the potential to double in size today as red flag conditions persist with low humidity and brisk southwesterly winds. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez on Monday visited Espanola’s Santa Claran Event Center, where some evacuees are sheltering.

“I was amazed by their attitude; the spirit of the people there. They were so grateful,” Martinez said, adding that evacuees also appreciated how well organized the evacuation had been.

Other concerns center upon the radioactive waste stored on site at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a sprawling 36 square-mile government nuclear facility just outside of town. Flames have already reached the road that forms the southern border of the lab’s property and they have thus far ignited a small spot fire on the property itself that was quickly extinguished.

“Our efforts in recent years to thin ground fuels around the Laboratory, coupled with the reduction in fuels caused by historic fires in the area, are helping protect the Laboratory and townsite,” laboratory director Charles McMillan said in a Monday afternoon conference call. “The Lab community is incredibly thankful for the regional, state, and federal resources coming to our aid.”

Lab officials indicate that all radioactive and hazardous materials are accounted for and protected. The laboratory is closed to all non-essential personnel, as is nearby Bandelier National Monument. The fire’s smoke plume was visible from as far away as Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Other New Mexico wildfires thus far this summer have threatened both Ski Santa Fe, and Sipapu ski resort near Taos. The Pacheco Fire is only 15 percent contained and is burning less than a mile from the base of the Santa Fe ski area.