Two deadly wildfires, the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, have devastated Ruidoso, New Mexico. The fires started on June 17 and quickly grew in size, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrests and convictions of those responsible for starting the fires. The agency has not yet determined the cause of either fire.
Approximately 1,400 structures have been lost in total due to both fires. The South Fork Fire reached 26 square miles (67 square kilometers) and was 31% contained as of Sunday, while the Salt Fire grew to 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) and was only 7% contained.
President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for parts of southern New Mexico on Thursday, freeing up funding and resources to help with recovery efforts. The National Interagency Fire Center reported that both fires were still burning on Monday, with full containment not expected until July 15.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford estimates it could take at least five years for the area to fully recover. Those wanting to return home must bring drinking water and at least a week's worth of food as homes may be without gas, electricity or water.
The South Fork Fire was first reported on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and grew rapidly, while the Salt Fire started in Otero County. Both fires had been at zero containment on Friday but have since made progress with the help of over 1,100 firefighters.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about the cause of the fires to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
