RUIDOSO, N.M. — Residents of a village in southern New Mexico were ordered to flee their homes Monday without taking time to grab any belongings due to a fast-moving wildfire.
“GO NOW: Do not attempt to gather belongings or protect your home. Evacuate immediately,” officials with Ruidoso, a village home to 7,000 people, said on its website and in social media posts at about 7 p.m.
Public Service Company of New Mexico shut off power to part of the village due to the fire, which had grown to at least 2 square miles (5.1 square kilometers) at the time the evacuation was ordered, KOAT-TV reported.
The glow from the fire could be seen Monday night from a webcam in the downtown area, where lights were still on.
The South Fork Fire started Monday on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
The Village of Ruidoso is about 75 miles (121 kilometers) west of Roswell, where several evacuation centers were set up.
An air quality alert was issued for very unhealthy air in Ruidoso and surrounding areas due to smoke.
The evacuation of 7,000 residents in Southern New Mexico due to a raging wildfire has sparked concern and fear among the local community. The wildfire, which began on Tuesday afternoon, quickly spread across the dry and windy conditions, prompting authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in the affected area.
The fire, which has been dubbed the “Southern New Mexico Wildfire,” has already consumed thousands of acres of land and shows no signs of slowing down. Firefighters from across the region have been called in to battle the blaze, but the extreme weather conditions have made it difficult to contain.
The evacuation order was issued as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents in the path of the wildfire. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced, providing food, water, and medical assistance to those in need.
Local officials are urging residents to heed the evacuation orders and evacuate their homes immediately. The safety of residents is the top priority, and it is important for everyone to follow the instructions of emergency personnel to ensure a swift and orderly evacuation process.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that it may have been sparked by human activity or lightning strikes. Regardless of the cause, the focus now is on containing the blaze and protecting the lives and property of those in its path.
As the wildfire continues to burn out of control, residents are left anxiously waiting for updates on the situation. The uncertainty and fear surrounding the wildfire serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of wildfires, and the importance of being prepared for such emergencies.
In times like these, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. The evacuation of 7,000 residents in Southern New Mexico serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of being vigilant and prepared for natural disasters, and the need for swift action in times of crisis.
