Watch Video of Wildfire That Forced the Evacuation of an Entire Town of Ruidoso in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico is currently facing a devastating wildfire crisis that has led to the evacuation of an entire town and resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. 

The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, which together have burned over 20,000 acres, have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. 

🚨 Apocalyptic scenes emerging from Ruidoso, New Mexico due to the fast spreading Wildfires

Pray for Ruidoso, New Mexico 🙏#Saltfire #NewMexico #NewMexicoWildfire #Southforkfire #nmwx #Ruidoso #Roswell #Mescalero #MescaleroFire #Incendioforestal pic.twitter.com/QhsP7JjEEr

— T R U T H P O L E (@Truthpolex) June 18, 2024

As of Tuesday night, these fires remain uncontained and continue to pose a severe threat to the region.

The South Fork Fire began on Monday morning on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. 

Initially covering 360 acres, it rapidly expanded to 15,276 acres by Tuesday evening, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division. 

Simultaneously, the Salt Fire has scorched an estimated 5,557 acres. Both fires are currently 0% contained, and their causes are still under investigation.

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. #Wildfire #NewMexico pic.twitter.com/pFelMXoGeh

— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) June 18, 2024

The wildfires have had a catastrophic impact on the affected areas, destroying around 1,400 homes and other structures. 

Tragically, one person has lost their life in the fires, as confirmed by Michael Coleman, communications director for the office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

However, further details about the deceased have not been released.

In response to the rapidly advancing South Fork Fire, the Village of Ruidoso, which has a population of about 7,700, was ordered to evacuate on Monday. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the evacuation orders extended to the nearby community of Ruidoso Downs. 

🚨 Southfork Wildfires, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Helicopters are seen collecting water to extinguishing the fires

So far 0% extinguished ( will update )

- Alexx Right#Saltfire #NewMexico #NewMexicoWildfire #Southforkfire #nmwx #Ruidoso #Roswell #MescaleroFire #Incendioforestal pic.twitter.com/dwfkdg9AWc

— T R U T H P O L E (@Truthpolex) June 18, 2024

Residents have been forced to leave their homes with little notice, seeking refuge from the dangerous and unpredictable fires.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation in light of the ongoing wildfire crisis. 

“We are deploying every available resource to control these wildfires,” Grisham stated, highlighting the urgency and scale of the response efforts needed to manage the situation and assist those affected.

Firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock to contain the fires and prevent further destruction. 

The community’s resilience and the dedication of those on the front lines are critical as New Mexico faces this unprecedented disaster. 

The full extent of the damage and the path to recovery remain uncertain as the fires continue to burn.