New Mexico Declares State of Emergency as Wildfires Spread Rapidly

The state of New Mexico declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to the rapid spread of devastating wildfires, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Approximately 5,000 residents in and around the village of Ruidoso were forced to evacuate as two wildfires in the South Fork and Salt areas scorched over 20,000 acres.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued evacuation orders for the counties of Mescalero, Otero, and Lincoln, with 500 of the evacuees seeking refuge in 10 shelters and service centers.

Former World Central Kitchen board member Robert Egger has arrived in Roswell to coordinate meal deliveries for affected families.

Firefighting efforts are being led by 17 federal and state agencies, deploying 800 personnel.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders for their safety as the extent of the damage remains uncertain.