‘Unprecedented’ weather expected to fuel wildfires in New Mexico

A slurry bomber dumps the fire retardant between the Calf Canyon/Hermit Peak Fire and homes on the westside of Las Vegas, New Mexico (The Albuquerque Journal via AP)

Weather conditions described as potentially historic have been forecast for New Mexico over the next few days as hundreds of firefighters and a fleet of aeroplanes and helicopters work to extinguish the largest fire burning in America.

Forecasters are warning that winds could reach 50-60mph over the weekend, worsening the situation in the US state.