New Mexico wildfires: 29 people still missing in Ruidoso while some residents allowed to return, mayor says

CNN
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As the search for more victims continues, residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were allowed into the village Monday for the first time since two wildfires converged on the community, causing massive destruction.

“The search and rescue teams are there. They’re with dogs, and they’re always going from property to property,” Mayor Lynn Crawford told radio station KRUI-AM on Monday.

Two people were confirmed dead and 29 people missing Monday, Crawford said. A large part of the village where the search continues has been designated a “no entry” or “exclusion” zone, he added.

The South Fork and Salt Fires, which began last week, have destroyed more than 25,000 acres, with the South Fork Fire 37% contained and the Salt Fire 7% contained, according to the South Fork Fire Management Team. incidents in the southwest region. More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the wildfires, and FBI special agents are helping to figure out what started them.

Fires continue to burn as the country grapples this week with more extreme heat – the deadliest form of weather in the world and one that makes wildfires more likely and destructive.

In Ruidoso, two wildfire deaths were confirmed: one victim was identified as Patrick Pearson, 60, who was staying at the Swiss Chalet Inn that was destroyed in the fire; state police have not confirmed the identity of the other.

“The look on kids' faces when you know they don't understand,” Crawford told CNN affiliate KOAT, “when you see people, the look on their faces — it's very difficult.”