02 Jun 2018 | 01:49 AM UTC
US: Ute Park Fire (New Mexico) prompts evacuations as of June 1
Ute Park Fire prompts authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for Ute Park and Cimarron (New Mexico) as of June 1, with blaze 0 percent contained
Event
The Ute Park Fire, which ignited on the afternoon of Thursday, May 31 (local time), had burned roughly 65 sq km (25 sq mi) as of Friday, June 1, near Highway 64 in Ute Park (New Mexico). Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for Ute Park and Cimarron. Roads throughout the area have been closed to traffic. The fire was 0 percent contained as of Friday afternoon. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The blaze burned 12 structures at the Boy Scouts' Philmont Ranch overnight from Thursday into Friday; some 300 homes were reportedly threatened by the fire as of Friday. Prevailing hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to facilitate the spread of the blaze in the coming days. Further consequent evacuations and transportation disruptions are possible in the area in the near-term.
Advice
Individuals in the affected area of northeastern New Mexico are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the vicinity of the fire, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (i.e. evacuation orders).
