NEW MEXICO, US, 19th June, 2024 (WAM) -- Thousands of southern New Mexico residents fled a mountainous village as a wind-whipped wildfire tore through homes and other buildings, and killed at least one person, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Officials warned the danger isn't over.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency that covers Ruidoso and neighbouring tribal lands and deployed National Guard troops to the area. A top-level fire management team is expected to take over Wednesday, and winds will continue to challenge crews, officials said.
The governor's office confirmed the fatality but said it had no other details.
More than 500 structures have been destroyed or damaged, but it’s unclear how many were homes.
Nationwide, wildfires have scorched more than 3,280 square miles (8,495 square kilometres) this year — a figure higher than the 10-year averages, according to the National Interagency Fire Centre. About 20 wildfires currently burning are considered large and include blazes in California and Washington state.