Thousands of southern New Mexico residents fled a mountainous village as a wind-whipped wildfire tore through homes and other buildings, and killed at least one person. Officials warned the danger isn't over.
At least one person has tragically lost their life due to the fast-spreading wildfires ravaging New Mexico, according to officials. The state's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has confirmed receiving reports of a single fatality, though further details have not been provided.
The wildfires have been ravaging through Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation, converging on the village of Ruidoso "like a pair of tongs" and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
Fire Horror In New Mexico: The entire town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, nearly 8,000 people were evacuated.
The South Fork, Salt, and Penn Scott Fires have turned into this town’s worst nightmare. pic.twitter.com/pFelMXoGeh
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has stated that at least two individuals were also injured in the blazes. The governor has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, as the fires have already damaged an estimated 500 structures. Extremely dry conditions and high winds have fuelled the destruction, as per authorities.
🚨 Southfork Fire Ruidoso, New Mexico - People are fighting the fires with garden hoses side by side with Fire crews
-Phil Hamilton pic.twitter.com/iqVUdWdKJd
The South Fork Fire, which began on Mescalero Apache tribal land, has grown to nearly 14,000 acres with zero percent containment.
A second fire, the Salt Fire, is also burning on tribal land south of Ruidoso, having scorched 4,800 acres. Evacuation orders remain in place for Ruidoso, the neighbouring community of Ruidoso Downs, and parts of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
Apocalyptic forest fires are engulfing increasingly large areas in the southern United States
The video shows a forest fire in New Mexico, where the complete mandatory evacuation of the village of Ruidoso, with a population of eight thousand, began yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/3izKm0pzgG
Residents have described a chaotic scene as they fled the area, with the sky turning orange and smoke making it difficult to breathe.
Concerns over shifting wind patterns have officials worried about the potential for additional homes to be impacted. However, forecasts indicate more favourable weather conditions for firefighters, with a chance of significant rainfall expected later this week.
New Mexico Update: ‼️
The Salt Fire has started to make a run towards Ruidoso Downs, another community of 2,600 people. Orders have gone out to evacuate the entire town.
“The Salt Fire is making a run towards the City of Ruidoso… pic.twitter.com/J6y2p25IQL
Officials declare a fire emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Over 8,000 residents evacuated
as the South Fork Fire rages out of control.
Stay safe!
pic.twitter.com/MBFuMeqEST
: The fire has burned over 15,000+ acres in Ruidoso New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/Fi7YKGBdtH
— upuknews (@upuknews1)Incredible time-lapse of the South Fork Fire on a Alto Lakes Live Cam, which prompted evacuations to the entire village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States 🇺🇸
▪︎ 17 June 2024 ▪︎ pic.twitter.com/z4oKvH330D
The entire town of Ruidoso, New Mexico is being evacuated… population nearly 8,000 people.
The South Fork, Salt, and Penn Scott Fires have turned into this town’s worst nightmare. I have fought fire there numerous times, including on the Blue 2 Fire.
This… pic.twitter.com/4ctiTuZNXY
The wildfires' explosive growth has highlighted the severe drought conditions affecting much of New Mexico, with the state's southeast region considered to be in "exceptional drought."
As the community of Ruidoso, a popular tourist destination, works to recover from this disaster, the tragic loss of life and extensive damage serve as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by climate change-fueled wildfires.