New Mexico Wildfires Spread, Threaten Communities

Firefighters Battling Multiple Blazes; Evacuations Ordered

WEB New Mexico wildfire smoke map | The Blue 2 Fire Information Hub

Two wildfires burned through thousands of acres in New Mexico on Tuesday, forcing residents to evacuate as the fires threatened communities. The Salt Fire and the South Fork Fire had spread across nearly 19,000 acres by 8 am Tuesday, according to the state's fire management office. The Salt Fire has burned 13,921 acres with zero percent containment, the Village of Ruidoso said early Tuesday. A second blaze, the South Fork Fire, has burned nearly 5,000 acres in Lincoln County.

Both fires are burning in rugged terrain and have been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the blazes, but they have been hampered by the weather and terrain. Several roads have been closed due to the fires, and residents have been asked to avoid the areas.

The Blue 2 Fire Information Hub is providing updates on the fires, including evacuation orders and safety tips. The hub can be found at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8217/.