Thunderstorms in New Mexico have threatened the area with more flash flooding, complicating efforts to contain two fast-moving wildfires that have resulted in two deaths and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The rain could help control the blazes, but also poses its own dangers, prompting the evacuations of some emergency crews. Parts of New Mexico were under flood warnings, with drainages leading out of the slopes of the Jemez Mountains being affected by flooding. The wildfires, named the South Fork and Salt fires, have burned over 23,000 acres, with the South Fork fire alone destroying 1,400 structures, including about 500 homes.
The fires have caused significant devastation in the area, with charred trees covering mountain sides and a spokesperson for Ruidoso calling the scene heartbreaking. The fires were expected to continue burning for several days, with three flood rescues already taking place and several individuals remaining unaccounted for. Two people were found dead in or near Ruidoso, and the small town usually bustling with visitors was eerily empty with about 8,000 residents evacuated due to the fires. Communication in the town was largely down, with emergency staffers working from a local fire station as challenges remained regarding infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Residents who stayed behind described a frantic evacuation as the fires approached, with individuals like a hotel manager deciding to remain to assist first responders and others seeking refuge. Temperatures in Southern New Mexico had reached the upper 80s and 90s before torrential rain struck the Ruidoso area, leading to flash flooding and water rescues. Operations in areas near the fire were halted due to severe weather warnings, with firefighters on the ground constructing firelines while air tankers and helicopters worked to contain the flames.
The Red Cross reported that over 500 people had sought refuge at emergency shelters, where meals, snacks, emotional support, relief supplies, and health services were being provided. The South Fork fire was discovered in the Mescalero Apache tribal area on Monday and the Salt fire was found a few miles away later that afternoon, burning over 7,000 acres of mostly inaccessible mountain terrain. With the fires burning and continuing to pose a threat, officials urged caution and evacuation as necessary to ensure the safety of residents in the impacted areas but also noted the unpredictable nature of the situation as conditions could change rapidly.
The devastation brought by the wildfires and the subsequent flooding underscore the challenges faced by emergency responders and residents in affected areas. The widespread destruction of structures and natural landscapes called for swift action to combat the fires and mitigate the impact of the flooding caused by heavy rainfall. With ongoing efforts to contain the blazes and provide support to evacuees, the situation remained dynamic and required continued vigilance to prevent further loss of life and property. The resilience of communities affected by the wildfires in New Mexico was evident as residents and emergency personnel worked together to navigate the challenges posed by the natural disasters.
