New Mexico
South Fork Fire near Ruidoso caused by lightning, Salt Fire remains under investigation
The South Fork fire, which has destroyed more than 17,000 acres near Ruidoso, New Mexico, was caused by a lightning strike, Bureau of Indian Affairs officials said.
An investigation conducted by wildland fire and law enforcement determined human activity did not start the South Fork Fire, Bureau of Indian Affairs officials said Wednesday, July 3. The cause of the fire was uncovered through a “thorough investigation by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the FBI,” officials said.
The South Fork Fire started June 17 near Ruidoso on tribal trust land administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Mescalero Agency. The South Fork Fire has destroyed 17,569 acres of land as of Wednesday, July 3, Southwest Area Incident Management Team officials said. The fire containment is now at 87%, officials said.
The South Fork Fire destroyed more than 15,000 acres within the first 24 hours due to high winds, officials said.
Cause of Salt Fire near Ruidoso remains under investigation
While the cause of the South Fork wildfire is now known, the Salt Fire near Ruidoso remains under investigation, officials said.
The FBI is still offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrests and convictions of the person or people responsible for starting the Salt Fire, officials said.
Anyone with information about the cause of the fires is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov. People can also text “BIAMMU” to 847411 then “MESCALERO FIRE + the tip” or just BIAMMU to 847411 and the tip.
The Salt Fire has destroyed about 7,939 acres of land as of Wednesday, July 3, Southwest Area Incident Management Team officials said. The fire containment is now at 84%.
Two people have died in the South Fork and Salt fires, which displaced more than 8,000 people.
No further information has been released.
Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
-
World2 minutes agoLebanese influencer organises World Cup event amid Israel’s attack on Leban
-
News25 minutes agoAir Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews
-
New York2 hours agoVideo: Fans Show Up to the Parade in Their Best Knicks-Themed Attire
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoVictims sought after man allegedly points gun at passing cars in Santa Clarita Valley
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoBest barbershop in Metro Detroit: Finalists for this year’s Vote 4 The Best
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoHow to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Miami Marlins
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoDrivers in North Texas struggle with Friday floods
-
Miami, FL3 hours agoThree wildfires burn more than 20,000 acres in Miami-Dade, force road closures
