New Mexico Wildfires Spread to 20,000 Acres, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
A pair of wildfires in New Mexico have spread to more than 20,000 acres, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and leaving one person dead.
The South Fork and Salt fires have grown to more than 20,000 acres (16,335 for South Fork, 7,071 for Salt). The fires are listed as 0% contained.
An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for the affected counties.
A state of emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation was implemented by the Tribal Council. The Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs are in an evacuation status. Numerous additional evacuation orders were issued including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail and Chihuahua Well. Road closures are in effect, according to the New Mexico Fire Information service.
“Extreme fire behavior occurred across the South Fork and Salt fires on Tuesday, with crowning and long-range spotting observed,” an update from the service states. “Aviation resources, including fixed wing air tankers and helicopters, conducted water and retardant drops throughout the day. Air resources worked in conjunction with ground resources, firefighters and heavy equipment, to continue constructing fireline including around structures.”
The fires started on Monday and quickly spread. They are burning through mixed conifer, grass, pine and juniper. More than 254 personnel are fighting the fire, with equipment including engines, helicopters and tankers. A cause has not been listed.
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