Wildfires have claimed at least one life in southern New Mexico as they engulfed a village, compelling thousands to flee.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reported that residents of Ruidoso evacuated swiftly under orders, leaving little time to retrieve belongings as massive flames razed or damaged over 500 structures. While confirming the fatality, her office did not disclose further details.
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Grisham noted the complete evacuation of Ruidoso’s 7,000 residents and urged immediate departure through a stark message on the local government’s website: “GO NOW: Do not attempt to gather belongings or protect your home. Evacuate immediately.”
Responding to the crisis, Grisham declared a state of emergency for southern New Mexico and deployed additional National Guard units to manage the escalating situation. She emphasized the need for state intervention due to the fires’ overwhelming scale, which exceeds local control and threatens public health, safety, and welfare.
The governor’s statement on Tuesday underscored the gravity of the situation and the imperative for swift and decisive action to protect affected communities from further harm.