RUIDOSO, N.M. – Two wildfires, the South Fork Fire to the north and the Salt Fire to the south have effectively encircled the village of Ruidoso, causing widespread destruction and displacing many residents. As of Tuesday night, the fires have consumed over 21,000 acres, a significant impact despite their relatively small size compared to other wildfires in New Mexico.
Fire officials have reported that the fires destroyed approximately 1,400 homes and structures. The devastation was evident as crews documented the damage along Gavilan Canyon Road, capturing harrowing scenes of the destruction.
Residents have been forced to evacuate with little more than what they could carry. Karen Sandoval, one of the evacuees, described the terrifying experience: “It was really scary with the ashes coming down. Maybe it was like snow falling down, it was pretty bad.”
Jerome Kasero, another evacuee, recounted the urgency of their departure. “I told my wife, ‘Let’s grab what we need that’s important to us, like papers, pictures, or some clothes, and let’s get going.’ We left everything else behind,” he said. Kasero expressed hope that everyone managed to save what matters most.
The fires have claimed at least one life, marking the second deadly wildfire incident in Ruidoso within two years, following the McBride Fire in 2022. This loss has added to the emotional toll on the community, with many still searching for loved ones.
An emergency management team is expected to be fully operational by Wednesday morning to coordinate relief efforts and provide support to those affected by the wildfires.