Current:Home > BackFBI offers up to $10,000 reward for information about deadly New Mexico wildfires-InfoLens
FBI offers up to $10,000 reward for information about deadly New Mexico wildfires
View Date:2024-12-23 11:54:23
The FBI on Saturday offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the deadly New Mexico wildfires.
The federal agency, which said it's still looking to identify the cause of the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, suggested a person might be responsible for the blaze, which began on June 17. The reward is for help in finding a "person or persons responsible for starting the fires."
The South Fork fire is 7% contained while the Salt fire is just 7% contained, according to the most recent National Interagency Fire Center information. An estimated 24,226 acres have burned and an estimated 1,400 structures were lost to the fires, according to a state wildfire dashboard.
The state has confronted more than just fires in the last week; New Mexico's also dealt with a dust storm and catastrophic flooding. It's been a "hell of a week here," New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
Wildfires consume vegetation and leave behind burn scars: areas covered in soot, ash and charred stumps and stems. Weather experts last year explained to CBS News that areas downstream and downhill from burn scars are very susceptible to flash flooding.
There have been several confirmed emergency rescues from flash flooding, Grisham previously said in a briefing. The National Weather Service on Saturday said the risk of flash flooding would continue over the next several days.
President Biden on Thursday issued a disaster declaration because of the New Mexico wildfires. The declaration freed up funding for recovery efforts.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in Ruidoso on Saturday, days after residents evacuated. She said on social media that communities there "have our support for as long as it takes to recover."
New Mexico State Police reported Wednesday that it had confirmed two fire-related deaths in Ruidoso.
So far this year, 19,444 wildfires have burned 2,161,787 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
- In:
- New Mexico
- Wildfire
Aliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.
TwitterveryGood! (53934)
Related
- When does Spirit Christmas open? What to know about Spirit Halloween’s new holiday venture
- Winner of $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot claims prize in Florida
- Bahrain rights group says 13 convicted over prison sit-in that authorities say was violent
- Climate change and the shift to cleaner energy push Southeast Asia to finally start sharing power
- King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
- What would a government shutdown mean for me? SNAP, student loans and travel impacts, explained
- Cher Accused of Hiring 4 Men to Kidnap Her Son Elijah Blue Allman
- Striking Hollywood actors vote to authorize new walkout against video game makers
- 2 more escaped monkeys recaptured and enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in South Carolina
- 2 Central American migrants found dead in Mexico after trying to board a moving train
Ranking
- Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
- Israel strikes militant sites in Gaza as unrest continues, no casualties
- EPA Rolls Out Training Grants For Environmental Justice Communities
- A Turkish film festival has been threatened by accusations of censorship
- Tua Tagovailoa tackle: Dolphins QB laughs off taking knee to head vs. Rams on 'MNF'
- In a win for Black voters in redistricting case, Alabama to get new congressional lines
- Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas are having a messy divorce. But not all celebrities are.
- Winner of $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot claims prize in Florida
Recommendation
-
Garth Brooks wants to move his sexual assault case to federal court. How that could help the singer.
-
Lahaina family finds heirloom in rubble of their home on first visit after deadly wildfire
-
Kia and Hyundai recall more than 3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire
-
Israel strikes militant sites in Gaza as unrest continues, no casualties
-
Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
-
Cowgirl Copper Hair: Here's How to Maintain Fall's Trendiest Shade
-
One Real Housewives of Orange County Star Hints at Quitting in Dramatic Season 17 Reunion Trailer
-
Nebraska latest Republican state to expand Medicaid to cover postpartum care for low-income mothers