Wildfires Prompt Evacuations as South-Central New Mexico Faces State of Emergency

On the 18th of June, evacuations were underway in various parts of south-central New Mexico due to the presence of two active wildfires. The local fire officials confirmed that the South Fork and Salt fires were identified on Monday, displaying rapid growth and extreme behavior.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation on Monday evening in response to the fires.

Evacuation Orders Issued

By Tuesday afternoon, residents of Ruidoso Downs, located four miles east of Ruidoso village, were instructed to evacuate as the South Fork fire posed a significant threat to the city. Videos captured by Pamela Bonner depicted massive plumes of smoke in the village of Ruidoso on Monday evening, highlighting the severity of the situation.