Two fast-growing fires are raging across a southern New Mexico tribal reservation, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate as the blazes converge on the village of Ruidoso. The South Fork Fire, which ignited on Mescalero Apache tribal land, has exploded to at least 3,000 acres by nightfall, while the Salt Fire south of Ruidoso has scorched 2,000 acres.
The South Fork Fire, now over 5,000 acres and zero percent contained, poses a significant threat to structures with an unknown number already lost. The fires are rapidly expanding, with officials describing their movement towards Ruidoso as resembling a pair of tongs.
