Growing Wildfires in New Mexico Destroyed 1,400 Structures
A pair of wildfires in New Mexico continue to rage uncontained, destroying an estimated 1,400 structures, forcing the evacuation of more than 8,000 people, while rains also flooded parts of the state.
The Salt and South Fork fires have burned more than 20,000 acres and are 0% contained.
The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance issued a notice to insurers this week calling attention to the state of emergency issued by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Under the order, the Superintendent may “take those actions necessary to ensure access to insurance and the stability of insurance markets during the emergency.”
The insurance code states that policies covering residential property are “statutorily require to provide coverage for the cost to repair or replace the damage or destroyed property without any deduction for depreciation.”
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.
“On Wednesday, the South Fork and Salt fires received varying amounts of rain. The highest rainfall recorded was 1.62″ along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while rainfall on the Salt Fire measured .05,” an update from the New Mexico Fire Information service states. “Thursday’s incoming weather will produce clouds, cooler temperatures (68-75 degrees) and higher day/night relative humidity. Storms will likely develop over the lower east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in the afternoon and into the early evening, producing 20-30mph gusts. Heavy rain, flash floods and debris flows are a potential risk from these storms through the week.”
The fires started on Monday and quickly spread. They are burning through mixed conifer, grass, pine and juniper. More than 824 personnel are fighting the fire, with equipment including engines, helicopters and tankers. A cause has not been listed.
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