Ruidoso, New Mexico, has ordered the evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents as two massive wildfires, converging like 'a pair of tongs,' threaten the village and surrounding tribal lands.

The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, both burning on Mescalero Apache tribal land, have rapidly scorched a combined 5,000 acres and forced widespread evacuations in the village of Ruidoso and surrounding areas. Multiple structures have already been destroyed, and key highways are shut down as emergency responders work to contain the fires. With phone outages complicating coordination efforts and extreme drought conditions exacerbating the risk, residents are being relocated to emergency shelters in Roswell, where hospital space is being cleared and facilities prepared for large animals and RVs.

The rapid advance of [the South Fork Fire](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) and [the Salt Fire](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) has created a dire situation for [the residents of Ruidoso](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) and [the Mescalero Apache community](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html). According to local authorities, at least 12 structures have been confirmed destroyed, though the true [extent of the damage remains unknown](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) as firefighting crews continue to battle intense flames and unpredictable winds.

"It's absolutely devastating to see the community I've known my whole life being consumed by these wildfires," said Maria Sanchez, a lifelong Ruidoso resident. "We had very little time to grab what we could and [evacuate](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), hoping that we'd have something to come back to."

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has announced the [closure of several highways](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), [including Highway 70](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), a crucial route for both residents and emergency responders. These closures are severely impacting evacuation efforts and complicating logistics for firefighters who are already stretched thin.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency in [Lincoln County, which includes Ruidoso](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), to expedite state and federal resources. "Our thoughts are with the residents and emergency personnel affected by [these terrible fires](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html). We are committed to providing all necessary support to get through this crisis," said Gov. Lujan Grisham.

[Emergency shelters in Roswell](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) are being prepared to accommodate the influx of evacuees. The Roswell Convention and Civic Center has been converted into a temporary shelter, and [local hospitals are making room](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) for potential medical emergencies. [The New Mexico Livestock Board](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) is also coordinating the relocation of large animals, a critical concern for many residents with livestock and pets.

The Mescalero Apache Tribe, stewards of the [affected tribal lands](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), are working closely with state and federal agencies to combat the fires and assist displaced tribal members. [Vincent Clark, Tribal President,](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) stated, "The mescalero people are resilient, but this tragedy is testing our limits. We're grateful for the cooperation from various agencies and hopeful that we can protect our land and people."

Firefighting efforts are being hampered by [extreme drought conditions](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html) that have persisted in the region for months. The National Weather Service has [issued red flag warnings](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/us/ruinoso-new-mexico-south-fork-fire-evacuations/index.html), indicating that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds creates an ideal environment for the fires to spread. Experts warn that conditions are unlikely to improve in the coming days.

As the firefighting crews continue their efforts, state officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels. Multiple agencies, including the American Red Cross and local volunteer groups, are working to [provide up-to-date information and support](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/18/wildfires-new-mexico-map-ruidoso/74133454007/) to those affected. Social media has become a critical tool for communication, with many residents sharing real-time updates and resources.

While the immediate focus remains on containing the fires and ensuring safety, the long-term recovery process is expected to be extensive and challenging. State and local officials are already discussing the need for federal disaster relief funds and long-term support to rebuild the community. For now, the resilience and solidarity of the Ruidoso and Mescalero communities are being tested as they navigate through this unprecedented crisis.