South Fork Fire Forces Immediate Evacuations as Flames Spread Across Ruidoso and Surrounding Areas
The South Fork Fire, which ignited on June 17, 2024, has rapidly expanded, scorching over 5,252 acres and triggering mandatory evacuations in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and surrounding areas. As of late Monday night, the fire remains zero percent contained, with no signs of abating due to the challenging weather conditions.
The fire, discovered at approximately 9 a.m. on Mescalero tribal land, has exhibited extreme behavior, including long-range spotting and intense heat.
The New Mexico Forestry Division has reported that the fire’s rapid growth and extreme conditions are due to high winds and low humidity, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph.
The Village of Ruidoso, home to over 7,000 residents, has been placed under an immediate mandatory “go” evacuation order.
Authorities have urged residents to evacuate without attempting to gather belongings or defend their homes. The designated evacuation route is Sudderth Drive to Highway 70, leading out to Roswell, as both Highways 48 and 70 are closed.
Multiple evacuation centers have been established to accommodate those fleeing the fire. These include the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell gym and Capitan High School.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe has also opened shelters at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center and the Community Center for both tribal and non-tribal residents. Livestock and RVs can be taken to the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds and Mescalero Rodeo Grounds.
The fire has already put numerous structures at risk, with several potentially lost, although exact numbers remain unknown. Electricity provider PNM has cut power to parts of Ruidoso at the request of first responders, affecting over 2,200 customers. The falling hot ash has been reported in Alto and along Airport Road, prompting officials to advise residents to call 911 if they see any hot spots or active fires.
Smoke from the fire has also led to poor air quality, and residents sensitive to smoke are advised to take precautions. Resources for monitoring smoke conditions are available from the New Mexico Department of Health.
Efforts to combat the South Fork Fire involve ten Type-1 Hotshot crews, with additional aerial support due to dangerous conditions on the ground.
Despite these efforts, the fire continues to pose a significant threat due to the persistent winds and low humidity, which are expected to persist.
The Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, providing assistance and information through a dedicated phone line. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official updates and prioritize their safety during this critical time.