RUIDOSO, New Mexico: Authorities in New Mexico say that a lightning strike caused the larger of two wildfires that killed at least two people and destroyed or damaged more than 1,400 structures.
First reported on June 17 on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, the South Fork Fire forced the evacuation of the village of Ruidoso.
Now 87 percent contained, the wildfire burned more than 27 square miles, and parts of the village were evacuated again because of recent flash floods.
Eight agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated the fire.
Investigators said the fire’s point of origin, with evidence and data, pointed to a lightning strike as the cause.
Meanwhile, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for starting the nearby Salt Fire. That wildfire burned more than 12 square miles and was 84 percent contained on July 3.
