ALBAWABA - At least two people were killed as wildfires continued to scorch through the US state of New Mexico, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people, and burning more than 23,000 acres of land.
The South Fork and Salt fires started earlier this week due to extremely hot weather in the southern parts of the country. It is expected that there will be changes in the weather that might make containment more difficult.
The Southwest Area Incident Management Team reported that the South Fork fire has destroyed 1,400 houses and scorched more than 16,000 acres.
About 5,000 residents in and around the village of Ruidoso were forced to evacuate as two devastating wildfires in the South Fork and Salt areas, scorched a total area of over 20,000 acres, ABC news reported.
State Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a state of emergency in response to the wildfires, which show no indications of being contained. Grisham confirmed that evacuation orders had been issued for inhabitants of Mescalero, Otero, and Lincoln counties.
She went on to say that 500 people were evacuated and sought refuge in ten shelters and support centers located around the impacted areas.
Former World Central Kitchen (WCK) Founding Board Member Robert Egger took to X, formerly Twitter, to state that he had arrived in the city of Roswell in southeastern New Mexico, where preparations are underway to deliver initial meals to families affected by the fires.
"So honored for the opportunity to serve New Mexico, and those displaced by the fires. Let’s hope the rain helps!!!! Please support @WCKitchen. I’ve been involved since Day One, and few groups can match its commitment or impact." Egger said.
