Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, affected by the South Fork and Salt fires: 2 dead

Two wildfires in southern New Mexico killed at least two people and destroyed about 1,400 structures. Parts of the region were threatened by heavy rains and flash floods, prompting water rescues.

The two fires, the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, had burned a combined 23,000 acres of land and had not been contained since they broke out on Monday on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, officials said in an update Wednesday. The fires prompted the mandatory evacuation of the roughly 8,000 residents of the Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, about two hours outside of Albuquerque.

According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, around 500 houses have burned down. This is one of the most devastating wildfires in the state’s history. Grisham declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

“In whole parts of the community, homes have disappeared,” Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford told local radio station W105 on Thursday morning. “It’s devastating.”

At least two dead in forest fires; residents missing

According to officials in New Mexico, at least two people have died in the forest fires.

The first confirmed fatality was identified as 60-year-old Patrick Pearson, who was found Tuesday on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet Motel in Ruidoso, New Mexico State Police said. His loved ones remember him as a talented country musician and devoted father.

The remains of another unidentified person were found the same day in a burned-out vehicle on nearby Rainier Road, officials said.

Meanwhile, residents were missing in Ruidoso after some of them chose to stay home rather than evacuate, Grisham said at a news conference. She said search teams were scheduled to begin looking for the remaining residents Thursday. It was unclear how many residents chose to stay in their homes.

“We are very concerned about the potential loss of life,” Grisham said. “We know that several people are still missing.”

Flash floods inundate areas already affected by fires

Flash flood warnings remained in effect in parts of New Mexico until late Thursday morning, and forecasters warned of flooded roads after thunderstorms. A strong storm brought flash flooding to parts of New Mexico on Wednesday, including areas already affected by wildfires. The Ruidoso area received about 1 to 3 inches of rain on Wednesday, forecasters reported.

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