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New Mexico: Ruidoso evacuates homes as wildfires rage.
Ruidoso villagers flee as wildfire tears through New Mexico. Map reveals devastation.
Published June 18, 2024 at 8:52am by Julia Gomez
Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations in New Mexico
Two wildfires, the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, burned through New Mexico on Monday, forcing mandatory evacuations for the Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. The fires, burning on tribal land, rapidly spread with flames damaging multiple structures by Monday evening.
https://nmfireinfo.com/2024/06/17/south-fork-fire-salt-fire-updates-6-17-2024/
The Village of Ruidoso issued an urgent warning:
"Please do not try to gather belongings or protect your home - GO NOW."
Several roads and highways have been closed due to the fires, including Highway 70 and Carrizo Canyon Road.
Ruidoso residents are evacuating to emergency shelters, with the Red Cross setting up a base at ENMU-Roswell gym, and secondary options at Lea County Fairgrounds and Carrizozo High School.
Original reporting by Julia Gomez for USA TODAY, with contributions from Adam D. Young and Alex Driggars of Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
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Read more: Wildfires force New Mexico village of Ruidoso to evacuate homes: See map