Two fast-growing wildfires have forced the evacuation of over 7,700 residents in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and damaged more than 500 structures on Mescalero Apache tribal land as they threaten to spread further.

Fueled by dry air and high temperatures, the South Fork and Salt Fires have rapidly grown to a combined area of nearly 19,000 acres in less than two days. With both fires at zero percent containment and evacuation orders impacting thousands, including residents of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, state authorities have declared a state of emergency and deployed the National Guard. As first responders struggle with phone outages and the forecast remains uncertain, the situation poses severe risks to affected communities.

The South Fork Fire, which ignited Monday morning on Mescalero Apache tribal land, quickly escalated in size, reaching 3,000 acres by Monday night and then expanding to 13,921 acres by Tuesday morning. Concurrently, the Salt Fire, which is burning south of Ruidoso, initially scorched 2,000 acres and grew to 4,876 acres. These fires have created a precarious situation for the local communities as they remain 0% contained.

Evacuation orders have been issued. An estimated 5,000 residents from the Village of Ruidoso have been ordered to evacuate due to the advancing South Fork Fire. Multiple structures have already been destroyed, and more than 500 have been reported as damaged. Ruidoso Downs, with a population of 2,400 residents, was also ordered to evacuate on Tuesday afternoon.

The fires have also impacted the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the reservation as the flames continue to threaten more structures and homes in the area. The response has involved mobilizing resources rapidly to protect lives and property.

Roswell city has stepped in to assist evacuees by setting up shelters at Eastern New Mexico University and the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. These shelters provide critical accommodations for displaced residents, offering a temporary refuge as they await updates on the containment efforts and the status of their homes.

In addition to the mandatory evacuations, other utilities have been affected. PNM electricity utility has proactively shut off power in portions of Ruidoso, impacting nearly 800 homes and businesses to mitigate further risks posed by the fires. This precautionary measure is aimed at reducing potential hazards, although it adds to the disruption faced by residents.

The rapid growth of the South Fork and Salt Fires can be attributed to the exceptionally dry air and high temperatures prevalent in the region. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an elevated fire risk warning across most of New Mexico, underscoring the hazardous conditions. Parts of Lincoln County, where Ruidoso is located, are experiencing drought conditions that range from moderate to extreme, exacerbating the fire risk.

First responders are currently grappling with communication challenges as phone outages continue to hamper efforts in the agency’s southern communications center. These outages complicate coordination efforts, making it more difficult to relay information and mobilize resources swiftly.

Meteorological forecasts indicate a potential shift in weather patterns, which could bring some moisture to the region. However, the same change in conditions could also increase fire dynamics, posing further challenges to the containment efforts. The uncertainty in the forecast and the continued dry conditions mean that the threat level remains high.

In response to the ongoing crisis, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This declaration has facilitated the deployment of the National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts and support evacuation and relief operations. The assistance aims to bolster the efforts of local agencies and provide additional resources for the affected communities.

While no fatalities have been reported so far, at least two individuals have been treated for injuries related to the fires. The primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and providing adequate support to those displaced by the fires.

Given the scale and speed of the fires' progression, officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay updated on the latest safety information. The situation is dynamic, and cooperation between residents, responders, and authorities is crucial in mitigating further damage and safeguarding lives.