Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were granted access to the village on Monday for the first time since two wildfires ravaged the community, causing extensive damage. The search for additional victims is ongoing, with search and rescue teams utilizing canines to comb through properties in the area.
As of Monday, two individuals have been confirmed dead, while 29 others remain missing. Mayor Lynn Crawford mentioned that a significant portion of the village is designated as a 'no entry' or 'exclusion' zone where searches are actively being conducted.
The South Fork and Salt Fires, which ignited last week, have collectively consumed over 25,000 acres of land. The South Fork Fire is currently 37% contained, while the Salt Fire is 7% contained, as reported by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team. Over 1,000 firefighting personnel are engaged in battling the wildfires, with assistance from FBI special agents to determine the cause of the fires.
These devastating fires persist amidst a week of extreme heat across the nation, a weather phenomenon known to be the deadliest globally and one that exacerbates the likelihood and severity of wildfires.
Tragically, two deaths have been confirmed in Ruidoso due to the wildfires. One victim, identified as Patrick Pearson, 60, was staying at the Swiss Chalet Inn, which was destroyed in the blaze. The identity of the second victim remains unconfirmed by state police.
Mayor Crawford expressed the emotional toll of the situation, highlighting the distressing impact on children and residents who are struggling to comprehend the extent of the devastation. The community faces a long road to recovery as they come to terms with the aftermath of the wildfires.
