Over 1,200 firefighters battle New Mexico’s largest ever wildfire
June 4th, 2012 - 8:33 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattNew Mexico, June 4 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The biggest ever wildfire in New Mexico’s history continued to burn last Saturday in the Gila National Forest. The fire, which was generated after lightning strikes ignited a series of fires.
Approximately 1,257 fire-fighting personnel have been tackling the conflagration. The fires were enhanced by the drought experienced in the area and by high sustained winds of 40 mph to 50 mph.
Numerous residents have been evacuated, according to the emergency services. Children, individuals suffering from heart disorders and other risk groups have been recommended to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid inhaling the smoke produced by this massive and devastating wildfire. Extreme precaution is advised to all nearby residents.
Designated as part of the world’s first wilderness area in 1924, the Gila National Forest is home to numerous animal species, including a number of protected game birds and predators.
Experts consider that Saturday’s 227,000-acre blaze will affect the area and change the Gila Wilderness forever. It has been estimated that the overall area affected by the blaze is more than one and a half times larger than a city of the size of Chicago.
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Tags: acre blaze, animal species, conflagration, drought, emergency services, firefighters, game birds, gila national forest, gila wilderness, half times, heart disorders, last saturday, nearby residents, new mexico, precaution, predators, risk groups, sustained winds, wilderness area, wildfire