Federal authorities have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for igniting two devastating wildfires in New Mexico. The FBI made the announcement on Saturday, stating that it is seeking public assistance in identifying the cause of the fires near Ruidoso, which were discovered on June 17. The devastating fires have already claimed the lives of two people and destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving thousands of people forced to flee.
The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire have spread rapidly, covering an area of 26 square miles and 12 square miles, respectively. Despite recent rains and cooler weather, full containment of the fires is not expected until July 15. Fire crews have been working tirelessly to contain the blazes, using bulldozers and hand crews to battle the fires.
The impact of the wildfires has been far-reaching, with significant disruptions to daily life. Evacuations are still in place in areas near Ruidoso, and road closures are affecting the region. In Ruidoso, full-time residents will be allowed to return on Monday, but officials are warning that everyday life will not return to normal immediately. The fires have also caused significant damage to businesses, a regional medical center, and the Ruidoso Downs horse track.
New Mexico Wildfires
President Joe Biden has issued a disaster declaration for parts of southern New Mexico, freeing up funding and resources to help with recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, Deanne Criswell, met with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other officials on Saturday to discuss the recovery efforts. The Southwestern United States has been experiencing an exceptionally dry and hot spell in recent months, which has contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfires.
Nationwide, wildfires have scorched more than 3,344 square miles this year, a figure higher than the 10-year average. The fires in New Mexico are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that wildfires can have on communities and the importance of taking steps to prevent and mitigate their effects. As the recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring those responsible for the wildfires to justice.
