By Andrew Hay

TAOS N.M. (Reuters] – In northern New Mexico wind-driven wildfires raged, destroying numerous homes and forcing many to flee from mountain villages.

According to local officials and firefighters, two wildfires collided northwest of Las Vegas in New Mexico. They raced through 15-miles of forest under winds exceeding 75 mph (121 km/h), according to authorities.

Strong winds sent another fireball towards Cimarron, the Philmont Scout Ranch to the northeast.

These wildfires, which were among nearly two dozen that struck the Southwest of the United States, raised concern about the possibility for an acrimonious fire season due to a decade-long drought and abundant dry vegetation.

Michael Johnson, who is a Santa Fe National Forest spokesperson, and is a twenty-year veteran wildland firefighters, said, “Fire Season isn’t even here yet. You know this is April.” “This fire is one of my most memorable experiences.”

Calf Canyon’s and Hermits Peak’s fires combined to torch 42,341 hectares, which is larger than Florida’s Disney World. Jayson Coil said that crews had the opportunity to use bulldozers to clear fire breaks in order to save Mora and other northern villages.

According to authorities, over 500 houses were evacuated. However, some residents opted to remain behind.

Joy Ansley (a spokesperson for San Miguel County in Las Vegas) stated that she heard of extensive damage. Pendaries sounds like it was hit hard.

Pendaries, a small rural community near Rociada has dozens of homes. There is also a golf course and resort nearby.

According to scientists, climate change has caused winter snowpacks to recede and enabled larger fires to burn earlier in the years.

The Cooks Peak fire, which was about 35 miles east from Taos in New Mexico threatened the Philmont Scout Ranch, and the village of Cimarron. Arizona firefighters continued to control the Tunnel fire that has engulfed dozens of houses near Flagstaff.