There are 5 giant wildfires burning in New Mexico, which have resulted in evacuations all through the impacted areas.
The McBride Fireplace in southern New Mexico had consumed 6,167 acres as of Friday morning and has resulted in two deaths. The blaze has destroyed greater than 200 major constructions because it started on April 12 in Ruidoso, in accordance with the web site of New Mexico Fireplace Data, an interagency useful resource with data from federal and state companies.
The biggest of the fires, the Hermits Peak Fireplace in northeast New Mexico, began on April 6 and burned over 7,081 acres. It’s 33% contained.
Officers are encouraging residents to study out there sources and methods to keep up air high quality security, reminiscent of “setting house air con items to ‘recirculate’ throughout hearth occasions” to discourage smoke from coming into, in accordance with a media launch issued Friday by the New Mexico Division of Well being.
“Air high quality circumstances exist which may be dangerous to the well being of at-risk populations and might create unsafe driving circumstances in areas straight impacted by the fires,” mentioned Dr. David R. Scrase, appearing cupboard secretary for the New Mexico Division of Well being. “Smoke publicity can worsen circumstances reminiscent of bronchial asthma, power lung illness, or heart problems.”
Advertisement
Air high quality ranges in New Mexico will be tracked through the New Mexico Setting Division’s web site.
Many of the state was below a pink flag warning — when heat temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds are anticipated to mix to supply an elevated threat of fireside hazard — on Friday.
On Wednesday, the stays of two individuals had been present in a house that burned a day earlier in Ruidoso, a village of greater than 7,000 individuals roughly a 180-mile drive southeast of Albuquerque, state police mentioned.
Firefighters had fought flames on the house Tuesday afternoon, and that night village police “acquired details about an aged couple who tried to evacuate the McBride Fireplace however had been unaccounted for by relations,” state police mentioned.
Police didn’t say whether or not the 2 individuals who died had been the couple reported lacking. The deaths are below investigation, and the state medical investigator’s workplace was working to determine the victims, authorities mentioned.
CNN’s Jason Hanna, Chris Boyette and Aya Elamroussi contributed to this report.
When you travel, one of the best feelings is going to a warm and welcoming town. While you know a welcoming town when you experience one, it’s harder to define what makes a place inviting. A combination of vibrant culture, history, natural places, and passionate people all contribute to making a town inviting. In New Mexico, this is what the most welcoming towns have in common. Madrid, for example, has a vibrant community with art galleries and a rich history. Jemez Springs invites people to the natural scenery and famous hot springs. These are only a few of the most inviting towns in New Mexico. Here, we will explore New Mexico’s seven most inviting towns.
Madrid
Street scene in Madrid, New Mexico. Historic Turquoise Trail and Route 66.
One of the most welcoming towns in New Mexico is Madrid. The small town has under 300 residents, but despite its small size, there is a vibrant community. Madrid is well known as a funky, artistic community in the narrow canyon of the Ortiz Mountains. There are many art galleries, shops, boutiques and museums throughout the town. One of the best galleries in town is the Johnsons of Madrid Galleries which features the work of Mel Johnson plus 100 other local artists.
While Madrid is a thriving art community today, the town wasn’t always this way. In fact, Madrid used to be a mining town. However, when the coal market collapsed, the town became a ghost town. In the 60s and ’70s hippies and artists settled in the community, making the warm, vibrant community that exists today. The Madrid Old Coal Town Museum, explains more about the town’s history.
Corrales
Old San Isidro Church, Corrales, New Mexico.
Corrales, New Mexico, is a bigger town than Madrid, with a population of around 9,000. However, Corrales still maintains its inviting rural, small-town atmosphere. The area has agricultural heritage, and the community celebrates all things local. Many people in the town live a rural lifestyle. There are many farms selling fruits and vegetables available at the local Growers Market. There are farms to visit to grab local produce and goods as well. For example, Heidi’s Raspberry Farm sells an assortment of jams using USDA Certified Organic Raspberries.
There are also historic buildings in Corrales giving an idea of what life was like in the old town. The Casa San Ysidro is a restoration of an adobe home built in the 1870s. The town has festivals throughout the year that celebrate the community and local culture. Some of the festivals include the Garden Tour, Corrales Art Studio Tour, the Harvest Festival, the Scarecrow Festival, and the Starlight Parade.
Advertisement
Jemez Springs
The Jemez Springs Historic Site in New Mexico.
A small town that shows off the inviting charm of New Mexico’s outdoors is Jemez Springs. The town is north of Albuquerque along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. People have been traveling to the area since the 1800s to experience the nurturing hot springs. There are natural hot springs to enjoy as well as secluded, more luxurious hot springs. The Jemez Springs Bath House offers cool or hot mineral soaks and healing massages. Some of the natural hot springs to enjoy outdoors include McCauley Warm Springs, Spence Hot Springs, and San Antonio Hot Springs. Beyond the hot springs, there is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy in the town, including the wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest and Valles Caldera Preserve. Fenton Lake State Park is a local camping spot with the backdrop of the Jemez Mountains. The beautiful scenery in Jemez Springs invites people to unplug and connect to nature and the community.
Tucumcari
Tucumcari, NM – USA. Editorial credit: Neil Lockhart / Shutterstock.com
Tucumcari is a small town that invites you with nostalgia. Home to murals, roadside motels, diners, and museums, Tucumcari is one of the most interesting towns to explore. The town even has its own drive-in movie theater, Foxy Drive-In, which first opened in 1956. Walk around town and enjoy the small business that invites you in with its historic charm.
To learn more about the town’s history, visit the Tucumcari Historical Museum. There is also the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum. This museum has the world’s largest collection of full-scale bronze dinosaur skeletons. Tucumcari also has colorful murals around town, including one of the world’s largest murals devoted to Route 66 in the United States.
Santa Rosa
The Blue Hole is a famous deep pool with clear blue water and hidden underwater caves proper for scuba diving. Editorial credit: rawf8 / Shutterstock.com
Situated on the Pecos River is the beautiful town of Santa Rosa. Full of picturesque stone buildings in the historic district, Santa Rosa invites people to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are many recreational trails around town, making for a friendly, outgoing community atmosphere. Santa Rosa’s claim to fame is the Blue Hole. The natural artesian spring is 81 feet deep and is a popular spot to scuba dive. The Blue Hole has earned Santa Rosa the title of the “Scuba Diving Capital of the Southwest.”
Above all, Santa Rosa values community. Some of the local businesses have been around for decades, such as Silver Moon Cafe. The restaurant is a local staple and first opened in 1959. Today, it is well known for its signature New Mexican dishes and American favorites.
Raton
Raton, New Mexico, USA. Editorial credit: Christi LaViolette / Shutterstock.com
Similar to other towns on this list, Raton is a small town in New Mexico known for its outdoor scenery. Situated in the Rocky Mountains, Raton is the highest point on the Historic Santa Fe Trail. Around town, there are dazzling views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Around Raton there are many opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. Sugarite Canyon State Park is near town and is great spot to enjoy some hiking.
While Raton is a small town with a population of under 6,000 people, the people are proud of their heritage. This shows in the local cuisine. Many local restaurants make use of the green Chile and unique regional cuisine. Overall, the relaxed way of life in Raton makes it an inviting town to explore.
Mountainair
Mountainair in New Mexico, historic downtown, USA. Editorial credit: Traveller70 / Shutterstock.com
The small town of Mountainair in New Mexico has a welcoming vibe combined with stunning scenery. The charming town has historic ruins, art galleries, charming shops, forest trails, horseback riding, mountains, and hiking trails to explore. Historic sites in town merge the past with the present. There are three major historic sites that attract historians and visitors every year to the town. The Ancient Cities of Mountainair are Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira. The community also hosts festivals throughout the year, including the annual Sunflower Festival in August.
All the towns on this list are warm and welcoming places to go. Whether you are looking to plan a road trip or move to a new town, these small towns in New Mexico would make a great destination. After visiting any of these small towns, you will want to call them home after only a few days. The vibrant culture, history, local businesses, and nature make for an inviting atmosphere.
Good news for those looking to beat the heat this summer, a unique floating water park is just a short drive away in Ruidoso, New Mexico!
Ruidoso is already among the favorite nearby spots for El Pasoans to cool off from the desert heat, but did you know it is also home to this unique water attraction?
The Ruidoso Parks and Recreation department just announced that Wibit will make a return his summer to Grindstone Lake! And the update they shared will have you thinking of spending your entire summer there!
Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake is an inflatable platform made up of giant slides, towers, trampolines, ramps, and wiggle bridges. Adventurous kids of all ages can bounce, slide, climb, jump and splash in the water.
Advertisement
Wibit Water Parks are typically found in tourist destinations, public beaches, resorts, and aquatic centers, offering a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. They are designed to be safe, with rigorous safety standards and supervision often provided by trained lifeguards.
Wibit Water Park to Open in Ruidoso, New MexicoRuidoso Parks and Recreation
Ruidoso is situated in the south-central part of New Mexico, nestled in the Lincoln National Forest. The area is characterized by its alpine environment, with lush forests, clear streams, and impressive mountain views. The elevation ranges from 6,920 feet in the village to over 12,000 feet at the peak of Sierra Blanca, which provides a cool climate and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. You can get more info, and find out about more summer activities in Ruidoso, here.
10 Tourist Traps to Avoid in New Mexico
Are you visiting New Mexico for the first time or simply exploring the state you call home? Either way, you probably will want to avoid thee tourist traps:
10 of the Most Haunted Locations to Check Out in New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment is full of history; some of that history lies in the dark & spooky side. As a result, many sites & historic places are extremely haunted. Here are a couple of the spookiest places you can visit right now in the state of New Mexico.
