"A number of wildfires in New Mexico and California have spawned evacuations, with intense blazes developing quickly and making damage assessments difficult for local officials.

The South Fork Fire, which was first reported Monday morning in southern New Mexico’s Village of Ruidoso, has now burned more than 15,000 acres and is 0% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency, ordering evacuations for Ruidoso and nearby tribal lands. The emergency declaration will help the state allocate resources from the National Guard.

Grisham commended first responders and residents who have helped others who were forced to evacuate."

Dave Mistich Reports For NPR June 19, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Two Dead In New Mexico Wildfires, 500 Homes Destroyed" (Reuters) [3]