Wildfires in southern New Mexico have claimed two lives and destroyed around 500 homes, prompting the evacuation of approximately 8,000 residents from the mountain community of Ruidoso.
New Mexico State Police reported discovering unidentified skeletal remains in a burnt-out car, alongside the identification of 60-year-old Patrick Pearson as another victim.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated that the fires have razed over 1,400 buildings, marking one of the state’s most devastating wildfire events.
These blazes, which have ravaged forest areas southeast of Albuquerque, spotlight the severe impact of prolonged drought conditions in making wildfires more destructive and fast-moving.
Governor Grisham has sought a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for the South Fork and Salt fires, which have collectively burnt over 9,308 hectares around Ruidoso.
The state of emergency declared by the governor covers Ruidoso and neighbouring tribal lands, with National Guard deployment and enhanced firefighting efforts underway.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said the situation was devastating, adding that some areas faced the risk of heavy rains and flash flooding.
The fires, believed to be human-caused, threaten Ruidoso’s scenic landscape, which includes the Lincoln National Forest and amenities like a casino and ski resort operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe.