At least one person has died in wildfires in the southwestern US state of New Mexico. About 7,000 residents had to leave their homes, local media reported on Tuesday evening (local time), citing the Civil Defense and Fire Department. They were still unable to bring the fire under control.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the flames damaged or destroyed about 500 buildings in the area surrounding the mountain village of Ruidoso, popular with tourists. He declared a state of emergency for affected Lincoln County and the neighboring reservation of the Mescalero Apache Indian tribe. In this way, additional resources and personnel can be authorized for firefighting. The Governor assisted in the withdrawal of the National Guard.
Reports said two fires broke out in the reservation area on Monday for unknown reasons, the “South Fire Fire” and the “Salt Fire.” The two met in Ruidoso. An area of about 80 square kilometers has already been destroyed. Due to strong winds and dry conditions, the fire spread rapidly. The media reported that the fire had spread to a height of 30 meters.
According to officials, there are currently 29 large wildfires burning in the United States, 10 of which are in the West Coast state of California. More than 63 square kilometers were affected in Los Angeles County and western Ventura County. Part of this fire is now under control.
Natural disasters in the U.S. — hurricanes, floods and wildfires — are attributed by experts to the effects of climate change.
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