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New Mexico Wildfires Burn Thousands of Acres

Two Wildfires Force Evacuations, Destroy Property

Two wildfires that began Monday in Southern New Mexico have forced the evacuations of thousands of residents and burned thousands of acres. The fires, known as the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, are both spreading rapidly and destroying property.

South Fork Fire

The South Fork Fire is burning in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, about 8 miles north of Ruidoso. The fire has burned 13,921 acres and is 0% contained as of Tuesday morning. The fire is burning in heavy timber and brush, and is being fueled by high winds. The fire has destroyed at least 10 homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Salt Fire

The Salt Fire is burning in the Mescalero Reservation, southwest of Ruidoso. The fire has burned 4,876 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is burning in grass and brush, and is also being fueled by high winds. The fire has destroyed at least 5 homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Evacuations

The South Fork Fire has forced the evacuation of the following areas:

• The Village of Ruidoso
• Alto
• La Luz
• Lincoln County

The Salt Fire has forced the evacuation of the following areas:

• Mescalero
• Otero County

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the blazes. The New Mexico National Guard has also been called in to assist with firefighting efforts. The fires are expected to continue to burn for several days, and evacuations are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

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