South Fork Fire, Salt Fire burning Mescalero tribal land, near Ruidoso: Fire map, live cam

Natassia Paloma
Updated ·2 min read

Residents of the Village of Ruidoso are under an emergency mandatory evacuation order due to wildfires in the area.

The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are burning on Mescalero tribal land, near Ruidoso, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.

Residents should evacuate immediately without gathering belongings or attempting to protect their homes., officials with the Village of Ruidoso shared via social media at 6:54 p.m. on Monday, June 17.

Smoke rises from a wildfire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S., June 17, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media.
Smoke rises from a wildfire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S., June 17, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media.

Several roads are closed, including Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit. The only evacuation route is Sudderth to Highway 70 out to Roswell.

A fire warning has been issued for portions of Highway 70 between Casino Apache and the Lincoln County Line, according to the National Weather Service.

Travelers should not drive into smoke and follow updated guidelines from local officials.

Residents of the Village of Ruidoso are under an emergency mandatory evacuation order due to wildfires in the area.
Residents of the Village of Ruidoso are under an emergency mandatory evacuation order due to wildfires in the area.

Ruidoso fire containment

South Fork Fire: 15,276 acres; containment: 0%.

Salt Fire: 5,557 acres; containment: 0%.

Smoke from the South Fork Fire covers the sun, casting an orange light across the Lincoln National Forest at Cedar Creek, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S. June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal
Smoke from the South Fork Fire covers the sun, casting an orange light across the Lincoln National Forest at Cedar Creek, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S. June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal

Ruidoso fire map today

The fire tracker provides a map with pinpoint locations of each fire and shows where red flag warnings are in effect, among other information. You can also click on each point to see detailed information on the fire in that area.

If you can't see the map above, click on this link.

Ruidoso live cam Midtown

Live footage from Ruidoso can be seen below and at Ruidoso.net.

Smoke plumes from the South Fork Fire rise above the tree line as the fire progresses from the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation to the Lincoln National Forest causing mandatory evacuations in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S. June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal
Smoke plumes from the South Fork Fire rise above the tree line as the fire progresses from the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation to the Lincoln National Forest causing mandatory evacuations in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S. June 17, 2024. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal

Inn of the Mountain Gods evacuation center

Evacuation centers have been established to accommodate evacuees:

  • Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center: Open to all evacuees, regardless of tribal affiliation. The center is prepared to receive those seeking shelter.

  • Mescalero Community Center: Available for evacuees from the surrounding area.

  • Livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds for those in need. Call 575-973-1394 for more information.

Roswell shelter info

The city of Roswell, in collaboration with the Red Cross, has established an emergency shelter for residents evacuating Ruidoso due to ongoing wildfires.

Location: Eastern New Mexico University: Roswell Gymnasium

Address: 52B University Blvd., Roswell, New Mexico.

Residents with RVs and large animals can utilize the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds at 2500 SE Main St. Evacuees are encouraged to seek refuge at these locations until it is safe to return home, Roswell city officials said.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: South Fork Fire, Salt Fire burning Mescalero tribal land, near Ruidoso