RUIDOSO, N.M. — Full-time residents of Ruidoso will be allowed to return to their village Monday morning as federal authorities seek to prosecute whoever started a pair of New Mexico wildfires that killed two people and destroyed or damaged more than 1,400 structures.
The FBI said it is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrests and convictions of those responsible for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire in southern New Mexico, which forced thousands to flee.
The federal agency also said it was seeking public assistance in identifying the cause of the fires discovered June 17 near the village of Ruidoso.
But the notice also pointedly suggested human hands were to blame, saying the reward was for information leading to the arrest and conviction of “the person or persons responsible for starting the fires.
Lincoln County Manager Randall Camp said at a news conference Saturday that “we are approaching a thousand homes lost” in the fires.
President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for parts of southern New Mexico on Thursday. The move freed up funding and more resources to help with recovery efforts including temporary housing, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property and other emergency work in Lincoln County and on lands belonging to the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
The National Interagency Fire Center said the South Fork Fire, which reached 26 square miles (67 square kilometers), was 31% contained Sunday. It said the Salt Fire that has spread over 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) was now 7% contained.
Both fires had been at zero containment Friday. Full containment isn’t expected until July 15, according to fire officials.
More than 1,100 firefighters continued to fight the flames in steep and rocky terrain Sunday.
The South Fork and Salt fires are still burning on both sides of Ruidoso and a threat of flash floods still looms over the village.
Authorities said downed power lines, damaged water, sewer and gas lines plus flooding in burn scars continued to pose risks to firefighters and the public.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham toured some of the disaster area Saturday with Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell.
Even with federal and state assistance on the table, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford estimates it could take at least five years for the area to fully recover.
Ruidoso officials said those wanting to return home Monday must bring drinking water and at least a week’s worth of food. They warned residents that homes may be without gas, electricity or water.
The FBI is currently seeking information on suspects involved in the fatal wildfires that ravaged parts of New Mexico, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and natural habitats. The fires, which broke out in several locations across the state, resulted in the loss of several lives and forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.
The wildfires, which were fueled by dry conditions and high winds, spread rapidly and proved difficult for firefighters to contain. In addition to the loss of life and property, the fires also caused significant damage to the environment, destroying acres of forest land and wildlife habitats.
Authorities believe that the fires may have been intentionally set by individuals or groups seeking to cause harm or destruction. The FBI is now asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating any suspects who may have been involved in starting the fires.
Anyone with information on the suspects or the fires is urged to contact the FBI immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and any information provided will be kept confidential. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the wildfires.
In the wake of these devastating fires, it is important for communities to come together to support one another and rebuild. The FBI is working diligently to bring those responsible to justice and prevent future acts of arson or destruction.
As we work to recover from the aftermath of these wildfires, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. By working together, we can help ensure the safety and security of our communities and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
