As two fast-growing wildfires converged in Ruidoso’s southern New Mexico mountain village, residents were ordered to leave their homes yesterday without notice or time to grab belongings.
“GO NOW: Do not attempt to gather belongings or protect your home. Evacuate immediately,” officials with Ruidoso, home to 7,000 people, said on its website and in social media posts at about 7 p.m.
One of the area’s crown jewels is the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, home to between 500 and 900 horses annually who come to run in the cool mountain air during the summers. The track hosts thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, including the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse racing with a purse of $3 million.
As visible flames filled the skies and surrounding area from fires just miles away from the track, efforts to begin evacuating horses were stifled by road closures and human evacuations.
Trainers and horse lovers hooked up, ready to head out and evacuate horses. Some even chose to park their rigs and wait, ready to evacuate horses as soon as they were allowed through road closures..
Statewide, residents began offering pen spaces, trucks, and trailers for use to get horses out.
The most recent information on the Ruidoso Fire Support Page indicates that horses are being moved off of the track. However, another post by the Village of Ruidoso reads, “Please stay out of the area, and do not attempt to go back into the village. There are no open roads into Ruidoso.”
A lack of cell phone service has exacerbated confusion over the situation.
Currently, officials have reported that the South Fork Fire has burned 13,921 acres, while the Salt Fire has burned 4,876 acres. Both fires have a 0 percent containment.
While tinder, drought conditions, and wind have created a perfect storm for fires and growth, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, anonymous sources have told AGDAILY that arson is suspected.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center reported that elevated wildfire weather conditions will persist throughout Tuesday in central New Mexico. The weather will be dry with southwesterly winds and humidity in the teens.
