The FBI is offering a financial reward for information leading to the identity of those responsible for two wildfires in New Mexico that killed two people last week.
Two fires broke out near Ruidoso last Monday, creating apocalyptic scenes and necessitating the preparation of emergency shelters and a mass evacuation process.
By the next morning, the fire had burned 19,000 acres and destroyed over 500 homes and several businesses.
As of Tuesday morning, June 18, the fire had burned more than 19,000 acres in the Ruidoso area.
The fire is still 0% contained.
More than 500 homes were lost, several businesses were destroyed, and thousands of people were forced to evacuate.Pray for #ruidoso
Photo: AP pic.twitter.com/4uCDcAG2la
— KTSM 9 News (@KTSMtv) June 18, 2024
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat) Declared Breitbart News reported that a state of disaster was declared in the area on Tuesday and National Guard troops were deployed.
This morning, I declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation and authorized additional funding and resources to address this crisis. #SouthForkFire translator
Read the full Executive Order here: https://t.co/4AxDBS4yls pic.twitter.com/u1MENcPLsm— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 18, 2024
All of the town’s approximately 8,000 residents were evacuated and both fires were fully extinguished. include by Saturday MorningAccording to the Associated Press.
A mandatory evacuation order for the entire village of Ruidoso remains in effect overnight. Highway 70 remains closed from Highway 244 east to the reservation line. State police have closed Carrizo Canyon Road to all traffic.
— Village of Ruidoso (@VillageRuidoso) June 18, 2024
Apocalyptic wildfires engulfing an ever-increasing swath of the southern US
This video shows wildfires in New Mexico, with full mandatory evacuations of the village of Ruidoso, population 8,000, beginning yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/3izKm0pzgG
— S Printer Family (@SprinterFamily) June 18, 2024
New Mexico State Police Two Bodies was discovered The fire broke out the day after, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
The first victim, who remains unidentified, was found inside a burnt out vehicle, while the second, named as 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, was reportedly found on the side of the road near his home.
“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for starting the fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico,” the FBI said in a statement. statement.
of #FBI A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for starting the fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The fire was discovered on June 17, 2024. https://t.co/Y8NWh3YeD6 pic.twitter.com/8AMvgGwJvy
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 22, 2024
The FBI’s Albuquerque field office said it continues to investigate the blazes, known as the South Fork and Salt fires, and is working with local, state, federal and tribal partners.
“Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s assistance in determining the cause of these fires,” officials said.
President Joe Biden Disaster Declaration The agency sent emergency crews to the southern New Mexico region on Thursday to allow funds to be allocated for more emergency aid.
