A region of southern New Mexico, reeling from the impact of two deadly wildfires, faced a new challenge on Wednesday as heavy rain and flash flooding hit the area. While the rain brought relief to firefighters battling the blazes, the wildfires were expected to persist, authorities warned.
The South Fork and Salt fires, which began amid scorching temperatures, have devastated the area, burning over 23,000 acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. The South Fork fire, larger of the two, has consumed more than 16,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures, including an estimated 500 homes, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
Tragically, the fires have claimed two lives. One victim, identified as Patrick Pearson, 60, was found near a motel with burns. The second victim was discovered in a burned vehicle on a road near Ruidoso, N.M., where both fires were raging. Authorities have not yet identified the second victim.
The rainstorm, though beneficial for firefighting efforts, triggered flash flooding in the area, carrying debris, ash, and hail through Cedar Creek in Ruidoso.
The National Weather Service reported rainfall amounts of up to 2.5 inches in just half an hour, leading to a flash-flood emergency in Ruidoso and surrounding areas. Water rescues were ongoing, and severe thunderstorm and flood warnings were issued for several New Mexico counties.
Despite the rain, the fires were expected to continue burning for several days, officials cautioned. Operations near the fire were temporarily halted due to the weather warnings, with firefighters focusing on constructing firelines and aerial operations.
The situation remained perilous, with several people still unaccounted for. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
The Red Cross reported that over 528 people sought refuge in emergency shelters, where they were provided with meals, snacks, emotional support, relief supplies, and health services.
While the rain provided a temporary reprieve, it also presented new challenges. The damage caused by the floods added to the devastation already wrought by the fires, making this one of the most destructive wildfires in New Mexico’s history. With the fires still burning and threats of further flooding looming, the region remained on high alert.