New Mexico Wildfire Claims 2 Lives, Thousands Evacuated

Tragedy struck amid the chaos of the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as State Police confirmed a second fatality on Wednesday.

Patrick Pearson, 60, was found deceased with severe burns near the Swiss Chalet Inn on June 18, according to KRQE News.

Meanwhile, another victim remains unidentified after being discovered in a burned vehicle on Ranier Road the same day; their remains were too skeletal for immediate identification.

Wildfires Ravage Southern New Mexico

Two fast-moving New Mexico wildfire continue to wreak havoc, claiming one life and forcing the evacuation of thousands as they consume over 20,000 acres of land.

The South Fork Fire, the larger of the two blazes, has devastated 16,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.

Sweltering temperatures and unpredictable weather shifts have complicated efforts to contain the fires.

Southern New Mexico faced temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and 90s on Wednesday, accompanied by the potential for afternoon thunderstorms.

While rain offered hope, winds reaching 15 mph threatened to exacerbate fire conditions.

A flash flood warning for Lincoln County heightened concerns, prompting emergency evacuations from vulnerable areas in Ruidoso, New York Times reports.

Firefighters deployed air tankers and helicopters to drop water and retardant on the flames. At the same time, ground crews worked tirelessly to establish fire lines.

The Red Cross reported over 528 individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters, providing essential supplies and support amid the crisis.

At a press conference, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized the gravity of the situation, declaring a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

She underscored the challenges posed by the wildfires, which remained zero percent contained as of Wednesday afternoon.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of rain, Laura McCarthy of the New Mexico State Forestry warned of dynamic fire behavior and increased danger to homes due to gusty winds.

Travel restrictions compounded the crisis, rendering much of the southern region inaccessible.

Fire Details and Evacuations

The dual New Mexico wildfire, named South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, turned fatal as authorities confirmed two deaths linked to the uncontained blazes, Yahoo! News noted.

Patrick Pearson succumbed to burn injuries from the South Fork Fire, where he was discovered near the Swiss Chalet Motel in Ruidoso.

The identity of the second victim, found in a burned vehicle, remains unknown due to their condition.

The New Mexico wildfire, spanning over 20,000 acres by Wednesday morning, has obliterated over 1,400 homes and structures, forcing approximately 8,000 residents to evacuate.

Evacuation orders span three counties: Mescalero, Otero, and Lincoln, reflecting the widespread impact of the wildfires.

Grisham detailed a robust response effort involving 17 agencies and 800 personnel, including 13 wildfire hotshot crews battling the blazes.

The South Fork Fire ignited Monday morning on the Mescalero Reservation, west of Ruidoso, with the cause still under investigation.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Two deaths reported in South Fork Fire, New Mexico State Police say - From KRQE