Villagers flee from New Mexico
Residents of Ruidoso, a village in southern New Mexico, were urgently instructed to evacuate due to a wildfire. The South Fork Fire, which has destroyed over 1,400 structures since it began, and the Salt Fire, burning to the south of the village, are the two main wildfires in the area. (Photo: AP)
Evacuate immediately: Govt officials
"GO NOW: Do not try to gather possessions or safeguard your home. Evacuate immediately," declared government officials from Ruidoso, a community of 7,000, via their website and social media around 7 PM. (Photo: AP)
Fema aid for fire disaster
US president Joe Biden's declaration of the fires as a major disaster granted access to Fema emergency funds for local, tribal, and state agencies, along with non-governmental organizations. It also provided affected homeowners and business owners access to grants and low-interest loans to cover temporary accommodation and repair costs. (Photo: Reuters)
Investigation team monitors village wildfire
New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated that evacuation orders remain in effect for the region. Grisham noted that the full extent of the damage is still undetermined and that the bureau of land management is leading a team of six investigators to ascertain the wildfire's cause. (Photo: AP)
Fire threat map released
Officials have produced a map indicating the locations of the South Fork Fire and the smaller Salt Fire, as well as the areas at risk. During a news conference, state forester Laura McCarthy emphasized that the "fire is dangerous and rapidly spreading." (Photo: New Mexico Fire Info)
Downtown Ruidoso disrupted
Traffic congested the downtown streets of the usually tranquil village and popular summer vacation spot, as smoke darkened the evening sky and 100-foot flames ascended a ridgeline. City webcams revealed an empty main street with smoke still drifting through the sky. (Photo: AP)
Fire impact and emergency response
The fires closed US Highway 70 south of Ruidoso and caused phone outages, hampering emergency response. Nearby shelters opened for evacuees, and Roswell prepared hospital space for patients from Ruidoso. Heavy rain and hail prompted a flash flood warning in fire-damaged areas lacking vegetation. (Photo: AP)
Wildfire threats Northern LA
In California too, firefighters are contending with a wildfire north of Los Angeles that has consumed over 15,000 acres of land, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. (Photo: Reuters)
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