The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward for information on two deadly wildfires that ravaged southern New Mexico, leaving two people dead and forcing thousands to evacuate. The agency is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for starting the fires near Ruidoso, N.M.
The South Fork and Salt fires, which began on June 17, continue to burn in the Mescalero Apache tribal area and on U.S. Forest Service land. The South Fork fire has burned over 17,000 acres and is only 31 percent contained, while the Salt fire has burned over 7,000 acres and remains 7 percent contained.
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the fires, with one found with burns near a motel and the other in a burned vehicle. The fires have destroyed about 1,400 structures and forced around 8,000 people to evacuate.
Despite the devastation, there is some hope on the horizon as Ruidoso announced plans to lift evacuation orders for full-time residents, allowing them to return starting Monday. However, some areas will remain off-limits as they are considered crime scenes undergoing recovery efforts.
The F.B.I. is seeking the public’s help in identifying the cause of the fires, as extreme temperatures, low humidity, and heavy rain have complicated firefighting efforts. Anyone with information is urged to come forward to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
