TUESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: NM Gov. Lujan Grisham Declares a State of Emergency for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. The National Guard Has Been Activated
BREAKING NEWS (Update)
KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, NM) reports that the South Fork Fire has grown due to windy conditions and now directly threatens the entire Village of Ruidoso. As of 6:48 PM (MDT), Village of Ruidoso officials have ordered an immediate evacuation of the village and many surrounding areas, telling residents to GO NOW – without delay!
Here is the latest, updated evacuation information from KRQE News 13, as of 7:30 PM (MDT):
***Anyone in the following areas needs to evacuate immediately:
- Village of Ruidoso
- Upper Canyon
- Brady Canyon
- Ponderosa Heights
- Cedar Creek
- Flume Canyon
- All of Alpine Village on either side of Musketball
- Apache Summit
The only route to evacuate is Sudderth to Highway 70 and to Roswell.
***The City of Roswell is setting up the following evacuation centers:
- Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell
- Livestock/RVs — Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds
***The following areas are in a “Set” status and need to be prepared to evacuate if notified:
- Gavilan Canyon (west)
- Sun Valley
- Sierra Vista
- Villa Madonna
- Ski Sun Road
- Areas west of HWY 48
The KRQE News 13 updated reporting may be read HERE.
NOTE: FGGAM will continue to provide update(s) as the situation warrants.
Here is the initial FGGAM report:
BREAKING NEWS
KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, NM) reports that Village of Ruidoso officials have advised persons residing in the following areas to evacuate or be ready to evacuate, as indicated below, because of the South Fork Fire:
***Anyone in the following areas needs to evacuate immediately:
- Upper Canyon;
- Brady Canyon;
- Ponderosa Heights;
- Alpine Village (west of Musketball); and
- Cedar Creek.
***The following areas are in a “Set” status:
- Alpine Village (north of Musketball); and
- Gavilan Canyon (west).
The KRQE News 13 report may be read HERE.
KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) is reporting that the fire is approximately 20 acres in size and started on Mescalero Apache Reservation land, but is moving toward Ruidoso. For those evacuating, use Main Road to NM-48. The emergency shelter has been established at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The KOB 4 News report may be read HERE.
KOAT News 7 (Albuquerque, NM) is reporting essentially the same information and includes that fire suppression efforts were currently being performed only by air due to dangerous conditions on the ground. Grindstone Lake will be closed on Monday due to use of the lake for fire response aircraft. Emergency pet boarding will be provided at the Humane Society of Lincoln County. The KOAT News 7 report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, let’s pray that this fire will come under control quickly and for favorable weather (i.e., low winds, higher humidity and precipitation). Let’s pray for the safety of all first responders and all of the affected residents and beloved pets or livestock for a safe evacuation!
NOTE: FGGAM will provide update(s) as the situation warrants.
More Here From The NM Forestry Division, NM Fire Info, Drought Report, Weather Forecast, and more
