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Lightning caused devastating New Mexico wildfire, officials say

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Lightning caused devastating New Mexico wildfire, officials say


Lightning is blamed for causing one of the two devastating wildfires that tore through parts of southeastern New Mexico last month.

Federal, state and tribal officials said they identified where the South Fork Fire started, and “human activity and factors did not contribute to the cause.”

The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire broke out on June 17 in the same general area, near the village of Ruidoso. Thousands were forced to flee their homes as the fire closed in on the village.

Two people died and more than 1,400 structures were damaged in the fires, which are both now about 90% contained.

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President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for New Mexico, freeing up federal funds that will assist affected individuals, households and businesses in the area.

“This federal assistance will help affected residents receive the necessary aid to begin to recover and rebuild their lives,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

Related story: Yes, wildfires are actually becoming more intense and more common, study says

Firefighting efforts have considerably drawn down since the fires’ peak. There are now only three crews, six engines and one helicopter tending to the fires.

“Fire activity remains limited on the South Fork and Salt fires,” fire officials said on Thursday. “Hot spots remain within dense large, dead/down fuel, dense conifer stands and snags. These heat sources do not threaten containment lines.”

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While the cause of the South Fork Fire has been determined, officials are still investigating how the Salt Fire started.

If it’s determined the fire was caused by a person, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of that individual.





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New Mexico leaders push colleges to keep tuition flat

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New Mexico leaders push colleges to keep tuition flat


New Mexico leaders are pushing colleges to keep tuition flat, saying strong state funding should mean lower costs for students and families.New Mexico offers tuition-free college through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, but hikes can still hurt graduate students, out-of-state students and some student-athletes.Higher Education Department Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands University and Eastern New Mexico University have so far kept tuition unchanged.Rodriguez said keeping tuition low is important not only for students currently covered by scholarships, but also for protecting the long-term promise of tuition-free college in New Mexico. She said if state revenues decline in the future, scholarship funding could face pressure.She also said community colleges have generally seen somewhat higher tuition increases than four-year institutions.According to the Higher Education Department, statewide enrollment has increased for four consecutive years and is up about 13.4% since 2022. Freshman enrollment is up 18.2% over the same period.Rodriguez said affordability is helping attract students and encouraging them to remain in New Mexico after graduation. “Nationally, tuition has increased astronomically, and that has to do with inflation, the increased cost of construction, and just– but here in New Mexico, we are seeing the lowest tuition increases that we have seen since the implementation of the lottery scholarship in 1996,” Rodriguez said.She also said New Mexico now ranks 20th in the nation for higher education, up from 50th seven years ago.

New Mexico leaders are pushing colleges to keep tuition flat, saying strong state funding should mean lower costs for students and families.

New Mexico offers tuition-free college through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, but hikes can still hurt graduate students, out-of-state students and some student-athletes.

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Higher Education Department Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands University and Eastern New Mexico University have so far kept tuition unchanged.

Rodriguez said keeping tuition low is important not only for students currently covered by scholarships, but also for protecting the long-term promise of tuition-free college in New Mexico. She said if state revenues decline in the future, scholarship funding could face pressure.

She also said community colleges have generally seen somewhat higher tuition increases than four-year institutions.

According to the Higher Education Department, statewide enrollment has increased for four consecutive years and is up about 13.4% since 2022. Freshman enrollment is up 18.2% over the same period.

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Rodriguez said affordability is helping attract students and encouraging them to remain in New Mexico after graduation.

“Nationally, tuition has increased astronomically, and that has to do with inflation, the increased cost of construction, and just– but here in New Mexico, we are seeing the lowest tuition increases that we have seen since the implementation of the lottery scholarship in 1996,” Rodriguez said.

She also said New Mexico now ranks 20th in the nation for higher education, up from 50th seven years ago.



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NM Wildlife Federation holds inaugural Outdoor Festival

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NM Wildlife Federation holds inaugural Outdoor Festival


EDGEWOOD, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Wildlife Federation gave people the opportunity to learn some new skills. On Saturday, Legacy Ranch Shooting Range hosted the Outdoor Festival and Skills Competition.

Guests got to experience live demonstrations and presentations on fly fishing, outdoor cooking, and hunting tips. The family-friendly event taught people the importance of the state’s wildlife federation.

“Our priority is maintaining the robust populations of wildlife for all New Mexicans to enjoy. The hunting and fishing traditions that exist in New Mexico fund conservation in this state, and provide the necessary means for our state wildlife agency to manage wildlife, so that it’ll exist for generations to come,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of New Mexico Wildlife Federation.

The event also had live music, a handful of vendors, and competitive events. This was the first year that the Wildlife Federation put on this event, and organizers say that the event will be back in the future.

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New Mexico Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for April 4, 2026

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 4, 2026, results for each game:

Powerball

03-06-13-41-65, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 3

Day: 1-3-5

Evening: 4-8-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Lotto America

06-31-35-36-40, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 8-7-2-9

Day: 8-4-1-0

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

04-06-10-18-23

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball Double Play

20-38-45-58-63, Powerball: 05

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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