This Texas City Is Offering Help To Ruidoso, NM Fire Victims

In true El Paso fashion, locals are offering a helping hand to residents and business owners in Ruidoso, New Mexico after news that a mandatory evacuation was ordered for the entire Village of Ruidoso due to the rapidly spreading South Fork Fire.

The wildfire, which began Monday morning on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, has prompted local authorities to instruct residents to leave immediately without attempting to gather belongings or protect their homes.

In a post on social media, the Village of Ruidoso urged residents to "GO NOW," emphasizing the situation's urgency.

Here are a few important things to know about the South Fork Fire evacuation:

Closed Roads: 

Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed, leaving Sudderth to Highway 70 and out to Roswell as the only evacuation route.

State Highway 48 is closed from Alpine Village/University to State Highway 220, and US 70 is closed from mile marker 249 to mile marker 258.

Emergency Shelters:

Emergency shelters have been set up for evacuees. Residents of the Mescalero Apache Reservation are directed to the Community Center Gymnasium.

For more information or assistance, the Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 575-258-6900.

A Word from Officials: 

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reassured residents, stating that the state is deploying resources to protect people and property and urged everyone to follow official instructions.

Representative Harlan Vincent also called for immediate federal support and thanked first responders for their bravery.

How El Pasoans Are Helping:

Many locals are going to social media to offer their assistance however they can. I came across a post on my newsfeed where one El Paso man offered to help move horses or any livestock in his trailers. His post read:

“For anyone in the RUIDOSO area, I have a 4-horse trailer and a few friends also have horse trailers. We can help move horses or any livestock, I have space at the ranch in EL PASO, if you need help message me or us, and will help evacuate immediately.”

 

FitFam El Paso shared a post on their Instagram asking any locals who are offering help or resources to share them in the comments and true El Paso style, many locals showed up!

Local food truck, Star City Burger wrote:

“If you need a hot meal, we got you on a burger. Must show proof of residency.”

A local realtor also chimed in writing:

“Anyone that might need housing and can get this way let me know I have a few Airbnb's and can find others.”

Do you know someone who is also offering assistance to residents in Ruidoso? Send their details our way through our KISS-FM Mobile app

Get our free mobile app