STORY: At least two people have died in wildfires in southern New Mexico, burning around 500 homes and triggering the evacuation of about 8,000 residents from the village of Ruidoso.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told reporters it was one of the most destructive wildfires in the states history:
"We also believe to be the case, it's not confirmed, that about 500 homes are in that list (of affected structures), making this the most devastating fire in New Mexico's history. I know many of you are getting information from people who are working in the fire, and they might have information that we don't have."
The remains of an unidentified person were found in a burned-out car, while another victim was identified as 60-year-old Patrick Pearson.
Melissa Fesmire and her son Christopher Bright say the fires are like nothing they've seen before:
"Very glad everybody got out that needed to whenever they had to. Even just for their own safety. But it's been nonstop planes, nonstop sirens, almost felt like being in the middle of a war zone with all the smoke surrounding our little calm area right here in the middle, but...."
"That's what's scary, they just started coming by about 30 minutes ago so I knew something happened."
The forest area is around 135 miles south of New Mexico's largest city - Albuquerque - and has suffered a string of wildfires including one that killed two people in 2022.
Governor Grisham on Wednesday requested a major disaster declaration from President Biden for the South Fork and Salt fires, which have burned over 23,000 acres to the north and south of Ruidoso.
New Mexico is experiencing a prolonged drought, exacerbating the destructiveness and speed of wildfires.
In 2022, the state witnessed the largest wildfire in the continental U.S., scorching nearly 350,000 acres.
