Raging Wildfires Devastate Southern New Mexico Village

Fire crews are fighting growing fires in southern New Mexico that have killed two and ravaged the village of Ruidoso. Despite some cooling, rain is insufficient to combat the blaze. With 0% containment, firefighters are urgently working to safeguard homes and businesses, which remain at significant risk.

In an intense battle against nature, fire crews in southern New Mexico are contending with growing wildfires that have claimed at least two lives and ravaged the mountainous village of Ruidoso. The fires erupted on Tuesday, giving residents little time to evacuate as flames swiftly advanced into the neighborhoods.

The National Weather Service reported overcast skies with temperatures in the 60s (16-21 degrees Celsius) on Thursday from a small airport northeast of Ruidoso. However, the minimal rain is insufficient in halting the destruction. Firefighters face flooding concerns as the burn scars leave no natural barriers, magnifying the perilous situation.

Ruidoso's Mayor Lynn Crawford highlighted the flooding risk, saying, "We got less than two-tenths of an inch of rain yesterday but because of all the burn scar, there's nothing holding it up." Approximately 1,400 structures, many of them homes, have been destroyed or damaged.

Authorities report that fire crews are striving to build fire lines and drop water and retardant from the air, while also dealing with spot fires exacerbated by exceedingly dry conditions and strong winds. Evacuations include hundreds of homes, businesses, a medical center, and the Ruidoso Downs horse track.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fires have consumed over 31 square miles (80 square kilometers). Nationwide, wildfires are above average this year, with over 3,280 square miles scorched. The causes of the New Mexico fires remain undetermined but are suspected to be human-caused.

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