Current:Home > InvestFBI offers up to $10,000 reward for information about deadly New Mexico wildfires -Infinite Edge Learning
FBI offers up to $10,000 reward for information about deadly New Mexico wildfires
View
Date:2025-04-21 06:10:33
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! (7)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Polaris Dawn civilian crew prepares to head to orbit on SpaceX craft: How to watch
- NASA Boeing Starliner crew to remain stuck in space until 2025, will return home on SpaceX
- First criminal trial arising from New Hampshire youth detention center abuse scandal starts
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey apologizes for posting Sandy Hook conspiracy online 11 years ago
- Lea Michele Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Husband Zandy Reich
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Absolute Units
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Timeline of Gateway Church exodus, allegations following claims against Robert Morris
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Yes, petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer, but beware before you use it on your face
- Lake Mary, Florida, rallies to beat Taiwan 2-1 in 8 innings to win Little League World Series title
- Police officers are starting to use AI chatbots to write crime reports. Will they hold up in court?
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Stephen Baldwin Reacts to Daughter Hailey Bieber Welcoming First Baby With Justin Bieber
- Sister Wives: Robyn Brown Says Kody Is “Sabotaging” Their Marriage After Splits
- A Florida man set to be executed this week appeals to the US Supreme Court for a stay
Recommendation
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Little League World Series live: Updates, Highlights for LLWS games Sunday
Walz’s exit from Minnesota National Guard left openings for critics to pounce on his military record
German police say 26-year-old man has turned himself in, claiming to be behind Solingen knife attack
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Legendary USA TODAY editor Bob Dubill dies: 'He made every newsroom better'
These proud conservatives love wind turbines and solar power. Here's why.
How women of color with Christian and progressive values are keeping the faith — outside churches