All eyes in New Mexico are on Ruidoso where two fires are threatening the village and the Ruidoso Downs. The South Fork Fire has burned around 15,000 acres and the Salt Fire has burned around 5,000 acres as of Tuesday afternoon. More than 7,000 residents were told to evacuate and an estimated 500 structures “have been impacted.”
City Desk ABQ looked at what local leaders, fire watchers and forecasters had to share about the disaster.
Read about Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews going to help here.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state is “deploying as many resources as possible to protect people and property.”
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called the videos and images of the fire “heart stopping.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) advised residents to follow local guidance and evacuate immediately.
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) says she hopes everyone on their way to shelters makes it there safely.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) says he’s monitoring the situation.
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) reposted a list of “South Fork & Salt Fire Updates + Resources”
Rep. Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso) encouraged “everyone to put your safety first and do your best to be calm as you evacuate.”
Firewatchers and weather forecasters shared videos as well.