New Mexico Ruidoso residents face South Fork and Salt fires: 2 dead.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Two wildfires ravaging southern New Mexico have claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left a trail of destruction, with approximately 1,400 structures destroyed. The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, which erupted on the Mescalero Apache Reservation on Monday and have scorched over 23,000 acres combined, continue to rage uncontrollably. The infernos have forced the evacuation of around 8,000 residents from the Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, located just two hours outside of Albuquerque.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham disclosed that among the buildings consumed by the flames are approximately 500 homes, marking one of the most devastating wildfires in the history of New Mexico. In response to the crisis, Grisham declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation, while investigations into the cause of the fires are ongoing.
Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford expressed the sheer devastation wrought by the fires, stating, “There’s total areas of the community that the homes are gone. It’s devastating.” The toll of the blazes extends beyond property loss, with at least two fatalities confirmed. The victims include 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, a talented country musician and devoted father, whose body was discovered near the Swiss Chalet Motel in Ruidoso. Another individual was found deceased in a burned vehicle on Ranier Road.
Despite evacuation orders, some residents opted to stay behind in Ruidoso, leading to concerns about their safety and whereabouts. Governor Grisham highlighted the urgency of locating these individuals and dispatched search teams to comb through the affected areas. The unrelenting nature of the wildfires and the ensuing flash floods have compounded the peril faced by residents and emergency responders alike.
Following the wildfires, parts of New Mexico witnessed flash flooding triggered by heavy rains, posing additional hazards to the already-stricken region. Forecasters issued warnings about flooded roads and the potential for flash flooding on burn scars from the blazes. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque cautioned against attempting to traverse flooded areas, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by such conditions.
As thunderstorms loom on the horizon, the specter of further flash flooding looms over the scarred landscape, prompting heightened vigilance among residents and emergency services. The resilience of the affected communities is being tested to its limits, as they grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires and brace for the challenges posed by inclement weather..
New Mexico Ruidoso residents face South Fork and Salt fires: 2 dead.
