New Mexico Village in Peril as Fire Spreads Rapidly Over 5,000 Acres. Residents Urged to 'GO NOW!!' By Local Government

Evacuations were ordered for the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, due to a fast-moving wildfire called the South Fork Fire that started on Monday morning. The Village of Ruidoso government issued an urgent mandatory evacuation order through a Facebook post, instructing residents to "GO NOW!!" The South Fork Fire grew rapidly from its discovery at 9 am to over 5,000 acres by the end of the day, with evacuations ordered shortly before 7 pm. Residents were told to immediately evacuate and not attempt to gather belongings or defend property. Hot ash from the fire was reported falling in the community of Alto north of Ruidoso.