Two wildfires ravaging parts of New Mexico have spread across more than 20,000 acres, New Mexico’s State Forestry Division said Tuesday evening, leaving thousands evacuated and one person reportedly dead as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.
An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated since the fires began Monday, and one person has ... [+]
The South Fork Fire is estimated to have burned 15,276 acres while a second fire—dubbed the Salt Fire—has burned through an estimated 5,557 acres, according to a Tuesday night update from the state forestry division.
The South Fork Fire, which began Monday in the state’s Mescalero Apache Reservation, was 0% contained as of Tuesday night, according to the state forestry division, which did not provide an update on the containment of the Salt Fire—Forbes has contacted the department for updates on the situation.
Officials estimate 8,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, while multiple outlets reported at least one person has died and two have been injured.
Approximately 1,400 structures have been destroyed in the fires, according to the state forestry department.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency Tuesday for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Residents evacuate from the Village of Ruidoso on Monday. (Village of Ruidoso Tourism Department via ... [+]
Smoke billows in Ruidoso, N.M. on Tuesday.
A car near Ruidoso, N.M., driving Tuesday as smoke fills the sky and partially conceals the sun. (AP ... [+]
A helicopter flies over Ruidoso, N.M. as smoke billows Tuesday.
California currently has seven active wildfires, according to Cal Fire. The most severe—dubbed the Post Fire—broke out on Saturday and has spread across 15,690 acres, data shows.
New Mexico Wildfire: Rapidly Growing Fire Scorches 13,000 Acres, Prompts Evacuation Orders (Forbes)
New Mexico issues state of emergency amid deadly wildfires (CBS News)
At least one dead due to New Mexico wildfires, thousands evacuated (Reuters)
New Mexico Battles ‘Devastating’ Wildfires as Weather Complicates the Fight (The New York Times)
Los Angeles Wildfire Burns More Than 10,000 Acres (Photos) (Forbes)