Fiery events
SEVERAL thousand hectares of forests were destroyed in big wildfires that raged across southwest us in the beginning of May. A raging blaze which broke out in the 1,16-million-ha Tonto forest in Arizona, was brought under control after hundreds of firefighters battled it out for more than a week. The wildfire consumed more than 24,500 ha of the forest. Bears, sheep and other animals headed north to lower altitudes to escape the fire. The blaze that had flames leaping 152 in into the air, has been described as one of the worst in Arizona's history.
Another fire burned down more than 3,000 ha of the Carson National Forest and forced 1,000 people to flee their homes in the rugged mountains north of Taos in New Mexico. More wildfires are in the offing for the South- west region because of unusually dry conditions and hot winds blowing across it. According to Terry Wildermuth, spokesperson for the New Mexico forestry division, a state of emergency had been declared in the state and residents were warned against setting alight weeds.