New Mexico Doubles Size, Governor Pleads For People To Flee Fire
As the Ute Fire is doubling in size in northern New Mexico, the New Mexico Governor is pleading with residents of a small village to flee. Early Thursday afternoon, the Ute Fire began between Eagle Nest and Cimarron in northeast New Mexico. Since then, the fire has double in size to over 27,000 acres and has burned over a dozen buildings and another 300 are still being threatened. A boy scout camp is also in the path of the flames right now. The community of Cimarron was evacuated Friday and is in immediate danger of the fire. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez pleaded this afternoon with any residents who stayed behind in Cimarron to leave immediately.
She also asked those who want to stay behind to "think about what you're doing to those individuals who have to go back in. Nothing is worth losing your life." Governor Martinez also just declared a state of emergency for New Mexico and has asked for the federal government for aide. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation while authorities believe winds from the east on Saturday should help keep the flames from the village. There is also a rainstorm in the forecast for Sunday to help the 500 firefighters working but unfortunately it won't stop the flames. Check with KOB news for more updates on this ongoing situation.