Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were allowed back into their village this Monday, marking their first return since devastating wildfires wreaked havoc on the area. Mayor Lynn Crawford provided updates on the ongoing efforts to locate more victims, noting that search and rescue teams, accompanied by canines, were diligently checking each property.
Firefighters in New Mexico and California are battling wildfires burning through their state, triggering evacuations of thousands of residents. FOX Weather meteorologist @SteveBenderWx breaks down the latest updates on the blazes. #wildfires pic.twitter.com/HXJL4FfqqO
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) June 21, 2024
As of the latest reports, two fatalities have been confirmed and 29 individuals are still unaccounted for. A significant portion of Ruidoso remains off-limits as authorities continue their search in what is now designated as a restricted zone.
The South Fork and Salt Fires, which ignited last week, have already consumed over 25,000 acres. Containment efforts show that the South Fork Fire is 37% under control, whereas the Salt Fire is only 7% contained. The battle against these fires involves over a thousand firefighters, with additional support from FBI agents who are investigating the origins of the flames.
🇺🇸 In the state of New Mexico, USA, more than 1,400 buildings have been destroyed by wildfires, according to the state forestry service (20.06.2024).
🔔 It is now critical to come together and get the word out about the climate threat. When it becomes the #1 issue in the world,… pic.twitter.com/H1EzzgIBwF
— Global Crisis (@_GlobalCrisis_) June 22, 2024
This ongoing disaster coincides with a national heatwave, considered the most lethal weather phenomenon worldwide. Such extreme temperatures not only exacerbate the risk of wildfires but also intensify their destructiveness.
Among the victims is 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, who was staying at the now-destroyed Swiss Chalet Inn; however, the identity of the second deceased individual has yet to be confirmed by state police. Mayor Crawford expressed the emotional toll the disaster has taken on the community, particularly highlighting the impact on children and families who are struggling to comprehend the full extent of the situation.
Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were allowed back into their village this Monday, marking their first return since devastating wildfires wreaked havoc on the area. Mayor Lynn Crawford provided updates on the ongoing efforts to locate more victims, noting that search and rescue teams, accompanied by canines, were diligently checking each property.
As of the latest reports, two fatalities have been confirmed and 29 individuals are still unaccounted for. A significant portion of Ruidoso remains off-limits as authorities continue their search in what is now designated as a restricted zone.
In New Mexico, a pair of wildfires killed 2 people while destroying 25K acres. On Sunday, officials said the South Fork Fire was 31% contained. It also said the Salt Fire was now 7% contained. Dozens of volunteers from the Red Cross in Arizona have been deployed to help victims. pic.twitter.com/FyGZnmiZz0
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) June 24, 2024
The South Fork and Salt Fires, which ignited last week, have already consumed over 25,000 acres. Containment efforts show that the South Fork Fire is 37% under control, whereas the Salt Fire is only 7% contained. The battle against these fires involves over a thousand firefighters, with additional support from FBI agents who are investigating the origins of the flames.
This ongoing disaster coincides with a national heatwave, considered the most lethal weather phenomenon worldwide. Such extreme temperatures not only exacerbate the risk of wildfires but also intensify their destructiveness.
Among the victims is 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, who was staying at the now-destroyed Swiss Chalet Inn; however, the identity of the second deceased individual has yet to be confirmed by state police. Mayor Crawford expressed the emotional toll the disaster has taken on the community, particularly highlighting the impact on children and families who are struggling to comprehend the full extent of the situation.
Major Points
- Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, returned to their village for the first time since two wildfires merged, causing extensive damage.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams and canines inspecting properties for victims; two deaths are confirmed with 29 people still missing.
- The South Fork and Salt Fires have destroyed over 25,000 acres, with containment efforts ongoing at 37% and 7% respectively.
- Over 1,000 firefighters and FBI agents are involved in battling the fires and investigating their cause.
- The region is also experiencing a severe heatwave, which complicates firefighting efforts and increases the risk of further wildfires.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
