Two devastating wildfires, the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, have been wreaking havoc in Ruidoso, New Mexico since Monday. According to various sources, at least one person has lost their life due to these fires. The South Fork Fire has burned over 15,000 acres and destroyed approximately 1,400 structures with zero percent containment as of now. The Salt Fire has consumed around 5,500 acres on tribal land in mostly inaccessible mountain terrain. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation due to these wildfires.
KOB 4 reported that Karen Sandoval, an evacuee, described her experience as 'really scary' with ashes falling like snow. Many evacuees were forced to leave their homes with only what they could carry. Jerome Kasero and his wife left everything else behind in the hope that everyone saved what matters most.
The South Fork Fire has forced a mandatory, full-town evacuation for the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico. The fires have consumed over 20,000 acres combined. Thousands of people had been evacuated from the village and surrounding areas by Tuesday evening.
Fire officials estimate that at least 1,400 structures have been destroyed in total between both fires. The causes of these wildfires are currently unknown.
The New Mexico Forestry Division, the U.S. Forest Service, and other emergency management teams are working tirelessly to contain the fires and provide assistance to those affected.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.