New Mexico Declares Emergency as Wildfires Spread

What’s the story?

• New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency as wildfires spread throughout the state. 
• Thousands of residents of southern New Mexico are fleeing their homes as the fire whips through their towns. Grisham said two independent fires, both listed as human-caused by the Southwest Coordination Center, have scorched more than 31 square miles of land so far. 
• One resident has died, but no one has been seriously injured, according to Grisham. Over 500 structures have been destroyed so far, but it’s unclear how many were homes. 

Safety concerns

• The New Mexico Department of Health is urging New Mexicans to protect themselves from the poor air quality caused by the wildfires—particularly in Lincoln and Otero Counties, including the Village of Ruidoso and the lands of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. 
• Heidi Krapfl, Acting Director of the Center for Health Protections, said:

“Breathing in smoke can aggravate conditions such as asthma and other chronic lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease. Poor air quality can also create unsafe driving conditions in areas directly impacted by the fires.”

• To protect yourself, the department recommends staying indoors, keeping your air clean by closing doors and windows, and paying attention to local air quality alerts.

2024 wildfire concern

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting elevated fire risk conditions this summer, especially in the mid-Atlantic region. According to meteorologists and wildfire analysts, above-normal temperatures, in part due to this year’s El Niño, and below-normal snowpack are increasing risky fire conditions. 
• Eastern Area predictive services meteorologist Stephan Marien noted:

“Fire potential is expected to be near normal across upper Midwest states, called the Western tier…However, fire potential will be elevated across the Southeastern Tier.”

• Eastern Region wildfire analyst Allan Hepworth and his team are working to keep wildfire agencies and the public more informed about fires to increase prevention, mitigation, and education efforts throughout the wildfire season.

Are you concerned about wildfires this year?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: Flickr/Kat)