Fast-moving wildfire forces immediate evacuation of Ruidoso residents.
Residents of Ruidoso, a village in New Mexico, were ordered to evacuate Monday as the South Fork Fire, discovered that morning, expanded at an alarming rate. Initially located west of town on the Mescalero Reservation, the fire reached over 5,000 acres by nightfall, prompting urgent warnings.
By 7 p.m., the Ruidoso village government issued a mandatory “go” evacuation order, urging residents to leave immediately as the fire threatened the area. Officials reported the blaze began around 9 a.m. and spread rapidly, fueled by extreme conditions that hindered initial containment efforts.
The New Mexico Forestry Division confirmed that by late Monday, the fire had grown to approximately 5,252 acres. Extreme fire behavior, including intense flames and high winds, contributed to its swift expansion, raising concerns for surrounding communities.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the South Fork Fire had surged to 13,921 acres, with containment efforts at 0%. Firefighters are struggling to establish control lines due to the aggressive nature of the fire, which continues to spread through the dry, mountainous terrain.
The evacuation has impacted the village’s population of over 7,000, with officials working to provide shelter and assistance to those displaced. Authorities continue to monitor the fire’s progress closely, issuing updates as conditions evolve.
Local and state firefighting teams are coordinating efforts, but containment remains challenging due to the fire’s speed and intensity. Residents and officials alike are bracing for further developments as containment strategies are adjusted in real time.