Raging wildfires continue in New Mexico, Arizona and more

Raging wildfires in Southwest U.S. continue to damage properties and threaten lives. The states of Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico and Colorado are all experiencing wildfires with one person reported dead in Nebraska. New Mexico experienced the worst of the blaze after the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fires combined. It burned a collective 56,478 acres, covering an area of over 180 miles Sunday. The flames are reported to be 12% contained Monday morning

The Calf Canyon fire near Penasco Blanco was reported to have burned several homes at the weekend. Thousands of people across the three states have already been forced to relocate their homes in preparation for the worst with New Mexico seeing the worst of the phenomena.

Related: How will climate change impact different regions in America?

In Lamar Colorado, the May family was left counting losses after the wildfire torched their ranch. The family said that they were grateful to those who helped rescue some of their properties. However, they have said that the situation with wildfires is getting out of hand due to drier droughts.

Dallas May, one of the family members, told reporters that dry soil does not help the situation. Although Colorado used to prepare for droughts in the middle of the summer, it is now becoming necessary for more measures to be taken.

“We don’t have the benefits of moisture in the soil,” Dallas May said. “Friday’s fire was the example of that.”

The May family said that the blaze that happened on Friday burned over 9,500 acres of their ranch. Winds blowing at speeds of 60 miles per hour were reported on the same day. Such heavy winds made it difficult for the family to stop the flames.

On Saturday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said that the state was battling fires on all fronts. He reported that 33 counties in the state were under fire.

“There is a chance for light snow accumulations and the Calf Canyon fire is just on the cusp of this, so any precipitation is very appreciated,” said CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford. “But unfortunately, the winds and temperatures will pick up there as well starting Tuesday and will peak into Friday,”

Via CNN and 9News

Lead image via Pexels