In southern New Mexico, a devastating wildfire known as the South Fork fire, which started on June 17 due to a lightning strike, has resulted in the loss of two lives, the destruction of 1,400 structures, and the scorching of over 25,000 acres. Despite the high temperatures, authorities have managed to contain 87% of the fire as of Wednesday evening.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs released a statement confirming that all evidence and data point to lightning as the cause of the South Fork fire, ruling out human activity as a factor. The F.B.I. has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for starting both the South Fork fire and the Salt fire – another major fire in New Mexico that remains under investigation and is 84% contained.
Both fires began on the same day and spread across the Mescalero Apache tribal area, U.S. Forest Service land, and areas near Ruidoso, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents from the village and its surroundings. While the fires have caused significant damage, it is essential to note that the majority of wildfires in the United States are actually caused by human activities, with lightning being the most common natural cause, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
It is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent wildfires, especially during dry and hot weather conditions. By raising awareness about the causes of wildfires and promoting responsible behavior in fire-prone areas, we can collectively work towards reducing the risk of such devastating incidents in the future.