(Representational Pic: Source: Internet)

MIAMI — The U.S. wildfire season kicked off with a grim start as fires in New Mexico turned fatal and prompted a state of emergency, while California battled multiple major blazes spanning both ends of the state.

 

In New Mexico, firefighters grappled with two massive wildfires that erupted Monday in close proximity. By Wednesday morning, the fires had collectively scorched over 23,400 acres, claimed two lives, and razed more than 1,400 homes and structures, leading to the evacuation of over 8,000 residents. The South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, tragically claimed the life of Patrick Pearson, 60, who succumbed to severe burns.

 

The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire continued to rage unchecked Wednesday on Mescalero Tribal land and U.S. Forest Service land near Ruidoso, with zero containment reported.

 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for the region on Tuesday, responding to the escalating crisis.

 

Meanwhile, in California, firefighters confronted a series of major wildfires. Among the largest was the Sites Fire, which erupted in Colusa County, north of Sacramento, consuming 15,565 acres by Wednesday and prompting widespread evacuations. Similarly, the Aero Fire in Calaveras County, east of Stockton, threatened nearly 3,700 structures and had spread to 5,425 acres, with containment efforts ongoing.

 

Further north in Sonoma County, crews gained ground on the Point Fire near Healdsburg and Geyserville, which had burned over 1,200 acres and was 50% contained as of Wednesday. However, the fire had already destroyed two structures and injured a firefighter, with its cause under investigation.

 

In Southern California, progress was reported on the Post Fire near Gorman, which reached 15,690 acres but was 43% contained by Wednesday evening. Firefighters were also successful in containing the Hesperia Fire in San Bernardino County, which burned 1,078 acres and was 91% contained.

 

These developments underscore the intensifying wildfire threats across the western United States as summer approaches, emphasizing the challenges faced by firefighters amid volatile weather conditions.