‘Very dangerous situation’: Wildfire in Ruidoso burns more than 4,100 acres; 0% contained
RUIDOSO, New Mexico – More than 150 houses and structures have been lost in a massive fire in Ruidoso, according to village officials. As of 9:00 p.m., officials say the fire burned more than 4,000 acres and is still 0% contained.
MCBRIDE FIRE UPDATE at 9:00 p.m.: Attached is the current fire map. The fire remains at 0% containment. 150+ structures and houses have been lost and 4,132 acres have burned.
We continue to experience power outages in the area. At this time we don't have an estimated time for the power to be restored.
The following roads remain closed in the Village:
- Gavilan Canyon from Meander to Hull Road
- Warrior from Hull to Gavilan
- Roads East of Hull from Warrior to Gavilan Canyon like Snowcap, McBride, Timberline, etc.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the area around Moon Mountain, McBride/Snowcap/Timberline, Eagle Creek, Homestead Acres, Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates, Deer Valley, Deer Park, and Alto East of Flute Player. If you live in those areas please evacuate to the Ruidoso Convention Center. More evacuations are possible.
The Ruidoso Convention Center is open and the Red Cross is on site to assist those who have evacuated. The Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Roswell Animal Shelter and Otero Fairgrounds are open for those who need to evacuate with livestock.
Crews were able to knock back the fire near the Ruidoso Middle School and evacuate 1,700+ students in 1.5 hours from Ruidoso High School, Ruidoso Middle School and Elementary Schools to the Ruidoso Convention Center. Ruidoso Municipal Schools have cancelled school for Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
A Emergency Declaration has been requested by the Village. If you're looking to make donations or volunteer in some capacity please call 575-258-6900 or 575-937-7785.
Village of Ruidoso Facebook Page
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque are advising people to follow local authorities's requests to evacuate. "Take this fire seriously," reads their tweet. "This is a very dangerous situation.
Very intense fire signature showing up on satellite imagery in the heart of #Ruidoso. Follow local authorities' requests to evacuate. Take this fire seriously. This is a very dangerous situation. #NMFire #nmwx pic.twitter.com/NJD7128xcJ
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) April 12, 2022
According to KOAT, Ruidoso Schools have evacuated all students to the Ruidoso Convention Center.
KOAT reports the fire began on McBride Drive, jumped to Gavilan Canyon Road and is headed north.
US StormWatch is reporting winds gusting up to 70 mph.
The Village of Ruidoso's Facebook account is asking residents to conserve water as they are limited in their production efforts with current power outages.
