South Fork Fire, Salt Fire burning Mescalero tribal lands near Ruidoso

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

Natassia Paloma
| Special to the El Paso Times

Residents of the village of Ruidoso are under a mandatory emergency evacuation order due to wildfires in the area.

The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire are burning on Mescalero tribal lands near Ruidoso, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.

Residents should evacuate immediately without gathering their belongings or attempting to protect their homes., Ruidoso Village officials shared via social media at 6:54 p.m. on Monday, June 17.

Several roads are closed, including Highway 48 and Highway 70 in Apache Summit. The only evacuation route is Sudderth to Highway 70 to Roswell.

Both fires are being handled by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The South Fork Fire has burned approximately 1,385 acres with 0% containment, according to the Village of Ruidoso.

A fire warning has been issued for portions of Highway 70 between Casino Apache and the Lincoln County line, according to the National Weather Service.

Travelers should not drive while smoking and follow updated guidelines from local authorities.

Map: Tracking New Mexico wildfires

Fire tracking provides a map with the precise locations of each fire and shows, among other information, where red flag warnings are in effect. You can also click on each point to see detailed information about the fire in that area.

If you don't see the map above, click this link.

Information in case of fire

The City of Roswell, in conjunction with the Red Cross, has established emergency shelter for residents evacuating Ruidoso due to the ongoing wildfires.

Location: Eastern New Mexico University: Roswell Gymnasium

Address: 52B University Blvd., Roswell, New Mexico.

Residents with RVs and large animals can use the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, located at 2500 SE Main St. Evacuees are encouraged to seek shelter in these locations until safe to return home, Roswell city officials said.

Map: Tracking New Mexico wildfires

Information in case of fire

Lina Portman

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