Evacuations are in full swing as the South Fork Fire continues to wreak havoc, now scorching over 5,200 acres near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The New Mexico Forestry Division has reported that the fire, which ignited on Monday afternoon, remains at 0% containment. The blaze has already consumed a significant portion of land and is threatening numerous structures, prompting urgent evacuation orders.
Residents of the Village of Ruidoso and surrounding areas have been instructed to leave their homes immediately. The evacuation route directs them along Sudderth Drive to Highway 70, leading out to Roswell. The fire’s rapid spread has caused massive traffic jams as people scramble to reach safety. The situation is dire, with the entire village and nearby communities under threat.
The fire’s origin is traced to South Fork Canyon, located on Mescalero Tribal Land. The flames have been relentless, burning through thousands of acres in less than a day. The New Mexico Forestry Division has expressed concern over increasing winds, which are pushing the fire eastward, exacerbating the already critical situation.
The Village of Ruidoso has issued “Go” statuses for several areas, meaning residents must evacuate without delay. These areas include Ruidoso Downs, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa Heights, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, Flume Canyon, Lower Eagle Creek, Alto Lakes, Sonterra 1, 2, and 3, Alto, West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa Madonna, Ski Run Road, and all areas west of Highway 48.
The Ruidoso Convention Center, initially a refuge for evacuees, is no longer accepting new arrivals. Alternative evacuation centers have been established at the Roswell campus of Eastern New Mexico University, Capitan High School, and Carrizozo High School. For those with large animals or campers, the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds and the Lea County Fairgrounds are available. Pets can be taken to the Humane Society of Lincoln County for emergency boarding.
Power outages have compounded the crisis, with over 2,200 residents affected. The outages were requested by first responders to ensure safety. The Mescalero Apache Tribe has also opened an evacuation center at the Community Center for reservation residents, with livestock being taken to the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds. The reservation is currently closed, with gate guards posted to manage the situation.
U.S. Highway 70 is closed south of Ruidoso, starting at the State Road 244 intersection. State Highway 48 is also closed, with the closure beginning at Alpine Village and extending to State Highway 220. The Lincoln County Sheriff has advised people to seek alternative routes and exercise caution.
The Village of Ruidoso has reported hot ash falling in parts of Alto and along Airport Road. Residents are urged to call 911 if they see hot ash spots or active fires. Fire suppression efforts are being conducted by air due to the dangerous conditions on the ground. Multiple fire agencies and aircraft are involved in the firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation. In response to the fire, Grindstone Lake will be closed to allow fire response aircraft to use the lake. The community is on high alert, with everyone hoping for a swift containment of the fire.
The situation remains fluid, with updates being provided by local news outlets and the New Mexico Forestry Division. The community is rallying together, with shelters and resources being made available to those affected. The focus now is on ensuring the safety of residents and containing the fire as quickly as possible.
