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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

New Mexico Supreme Court Strikes Down Local Abortion Restrictions

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New Mexico Supreme Court Strikes Down Local Abortion Restrictions


By Jasper Ward (Reuters) – The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against several local ordinances in the state that aim to restrict distribution of the abortion pill. In a unanimous opinion, the court said the ordinances invade the legislature’s authority to regulate reproductive care. “Our …



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New Mexico

Snowy and slick Thursday expected in New Mexico

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Snowy and slick Thursday expected in New Mexico


We’re expecting widespread light snow Thursday in New Mexico. See the latest forecast at KOB.com/Weather.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The snow was falling and the roads were slick to start Thursday in parts of New Mexico and it’s likely that will continue throughout the day.

We’ll see on and off scattered snow showers, especially in parts of southern New Mexico. That will become more widespread with blowing snow possible.

A winter weather advisory is still in effect until Friday morning for 1-3 inches of snow expected and 5-6 inches of snow in higher-elevation areas. It encompasses most of southern New Mexico and stretches just above Interstate 40 near Tucumcari, heading toward the Texas state line.

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High temperatures will be at least 10° below average for pretty much everyone.

Meteorologist Kira Miner shares all the details in her full forecast in the video above.

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New Mexico sending firefighters to California

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New Mexico sending firefighters to California


LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — The state of New Mexico announced it is sending five fire engines and 25 New Mexico firefighters to assist in fighting the California wildfires.

The departments participating are from Bernalillo, San Juan, and Los Alamos Counties, as well as the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The units and firefighters will leave for California on January 9 at 9 a.m.

The state of New Mexico is also warning residents that high winds and dry conditions make the state at high risk for fires as well. Residents are encouraged to clear dry brush from around their homes and keep anything flammable away from heat sources.

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