USA: Wildfires are out of control in New Mexico

At least one person has already died in the fire. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, declared a state of emergency for the area around the southern city of Ruidoso and the neighboring Mescalero Apache reservation.

This way, we can allow more resources and personnel to fight the fire. The Governor assisted in the withdrawal of the National Guard. “I urge residents of Ruidoso and surrounding areas to remain calm and follow official instructions,” Grisham said on X (Twitter).

Officials: Flames up to 30 meters high

The causes of the two fires, the “South Fork Fire” and the “Salt Fire,” that broke out on the reservation Monday are still unclear, it said. The two met in Ruidoso. Due to strong winds and dry conditions, the fire spread rapidly. Media reported that the fire had spread to a height of 30 meters.

However, cooler temperatures and rain will help keep the fire somewhat under control over the next few days. Weather conditions are expected to change Wednesday morning (local time), according to the National Weather Service (NWS). “Today is actually our last dry day,” they said. Maximum rainfall on Thursday. However, there is also a flash flood warning.

Fires in California too

In California on the US West Coast, fire crews of more than 1,600 firefighters are battling the state's biggest blaze of the year so far. As of Monday evening (local time), an area of ​​more than 63 square kilometers was affected in Los Angeles County and in western Ventura County, the responsible emergency authority announced. However, no eviction has been ordered yet.

Forest fires have destroyed about 8,500 square kilometers across the country this year, more than the 10-year average, officials say. About 20 wildfires are currently considered large and out of control, including fires in New Mexico, California and Washington state.

According to the NWS, a storm is currently forming in the Gulf of Mexico that could become a hurricane. Forecasters expect it to reach the coast of Texas and northern Mexico on Wednesday or Thursday and have warned of possible flooding.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the temperature will increase in the northeast

Meanwhile, NSW has also warned of an early heatwave with record temperatures in the North East of the US. “A heat wave will continue to affect the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast over the coming days,” the NWS said Tuesday. The commission has warned that the temperature will be 38 degrees Celsius and it may not drop below 23 degrees even at night.

In many places, temperatures could rise to nearly record levels or exceed previous highs, the NWS said. This can be dangerous, especially for those who do not have adequate air conditioning and for those in the north who are not used to long periods of heat.

The city of Chicago set up cold storage facilities for its residents. The last time a similarly early and prolonged heat wave occurred was in 1933, according to Illinois' chief meteorologist. The Coalition of Environmental, Labor and Health Organizations called on President Joe Biden to release federal funds to better protect people from extreme heat and wildfires, specifically against smoke damage.