New Mexico Wildfires: Over 23,000 Acres Burned As Fires Rage On (Photos)

 

An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated since the fires began Monday, and one person has reportedly died

Two wildfires ravaging parts of New Mexico have spread across more than 23,000 acres of land, New Mexico’s State Forestry Division said Wednesday afternoon, leaving thousands evacuated and one person reportedly dead as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.

KEY FACTS

The South Fork Fire is estimated to have burned 16,335 acres while a second fire—dubbed the Salt Fire—has burned through an estimated 7,071 acres, according to a Wednesday afternoon update from the state forestry division.

The fires, which began Monday, were 0% contained as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the state forestry division.

Officials estimate 8,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, while multiple outlets reported at least one person has died and two have been injured.

Approximately 1,400 structures have been destroyed in the fires, according to the state forestry department.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency Tuesday for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

Residents evacuate from the Village of Ruidoso on Monday. (Village of Ruidoso Tourism Department via ... [+]

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke billows in Ruidoso, N.M. on Tuesday. 

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A car near Ruidoso, N.M., driving Tuesday as smoke fills the sky and partially conceals the sun. (AP ... [+]

COPYRIGHT 2024 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A helicopter flies over Ruidoso, N.M. as smoke billows Tuesday. 

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TANGENT

California currently has seven active wildfires, according to Cal Fire. The most severe—dubbed the Post Fire—broke out on Saturday and has spread across 15,690 acres, data shows.