One individual lost their life in the South Fork and Salt fires in New Mexico, according to officials, as the fires continued to burn actively without containment.
The fires started on Monday morning within the Mescalero Apache Reservation, reported the Xinhua news agency, citing the New Mexico Forestry Division. The update from the forestry division indicated that approximately 1,400 homes and other structures have been destroyed by the fires.
The town of Ruidoso, home to about 7,700 residents and located west of the reservation, was mandated to evacuate due to the fire's rapid advancement. Mayor Lynn Crawford of Ruidoso confirmed that as of Tuesday, there has been one reported fatality.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has declared a state of emergency encompassing Lincoln and Otero counties as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
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