Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for New Mexico Wildfires

Storyful
2 年前

US President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for New Mexico on May 4, unlocking federal funds to help fight the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon wildfires.

Footage recorded by Brandie Lee Renteria shows a large plume of white smoke rising from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon wildfires outside Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon.

Biden approved an application for a disaster declaration by New Mexico Gov Michelle Lujan Grisham on May 4.

The fires have displaced more than 6,000 people, mostly in San Miguel and Mora counties, the Las Vegas Optic said. The paper said more than 160 homes had been confirmed as destroyed, with the actual figure “likely higher”.

New Mexico Fire Information said the fires had burned 160,104 acres by Wednesday morning and were 20 percent contained. Credit: Brandie Lee Renteria via Storyful