**Ruidoso Fire Update: Everything You Need to Know**

Introduction

The Ruidoso Fire, which ignited in the Lincoln National Forest on April 12, 2022, has been a devastating event for the community of Ruidoso, New Mexico. As of today, the fire has burned over 30,000 acres, destroyed over 100 homes, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. This article provides the latest updates on the fire, including containment efforts, evacuation orders, and resources for affected residents.

Containment Efforts

As of this morning, the Ruidoso Fire is 25% contained. Firefighters from numerous agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and New Mexico State Forestry, are working around the clock to contain the blaze. Multiple aircraft, including helicopters and air tankers, are also assisting in firefighting efforts.

Evacuation Orders

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas:

• Alto
• Capitan
• Hondo
• Mescalero
• Nogal
• Ruidoso
• Ruidoso Downs
• San Patricio
• Lincoln County Fire District No. 1

Residents in these areas should evacuate immediately if they have not already done so.

Resources for Affected Residents

Numerous resources are available to residents affected by the Ruidoso Fire. These include:

• Evacuation Centers:
  • Ruidoso High School (630 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345)
  • Carrizozo Community Center (104 6th St., Carrizozo, NM 88301)
• Red Cross Assistance: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Insurance Information: New Mexico Insurance Division (505-827-7000)
• Mental Health Support: New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (1-505-277-4151)

Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe

During a wildfire, it's important to take steps to stay safe. Here are some tips:

• Evacuate immediately if you are under an evacuation order.
• Follow instructions from fire officials and law enforcement.
• Beware of smoke and ash. Wear a mask or bandana over your nose and mouth to avoid breathing in harmful particles.
• Stay informed about fire conditions by listening to local radio or television stations or visiting the official fire information website.
• Have an emergency plan in place and know where to go if you need to evacuate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When facing a wildfire, it's important to avoid certain mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Don't try to fight the fire yourself. Always leave firefighting to the professionals.
• Don't wait until it's too late to evacuate. If you are under an evacuation order, leave immediately.
• Don't return to your home until it has been cleared by fire officials.
• Don't drive through smoke and ash. This can obscure your vision and make it difficult to breathe.
• Don't start new fires. Even the smallest spark can ignite a new wildfire.

Step-by-Step Approach to Evacuating

If you are told to evacuate during a wildfire, follow these steps:

1. Gather essential belongings. This includes clothing, medications, important documents, and valuables.
2. Secure your home. Close all windows and doors, and turn off all gas and electricity.
3. Leave immediately. Do not wait to pack everything. You can gather additional belongings once you are in a safe location.
4. Follow the designated evacuation route. Do not take shortcuts, as this can delay emergency responders.
5. Check in with your local authorities once you have evacuated to let them know you are safe.

Pros and Cons of Different Evacuation Options

Depending on your circumstances, you may have different evacuation options available to you. Here are some pros and cons of each:

Hotel:

• Pros:
  • Comfortable and safe
  • Convenient location
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive
  • May not be available if the fire is moving quickly

Motel:

• Pros:
  • More affordable than a hotel
  • Still comfortable and safe
• Cons:
  • May be located farther away from home
  • May not have as many amenities as a hotel

Evacuation Center:

• Pros:
  • Free
  • Provides basic necessities (food, water, shelter)
• Cons:
  • Can be crowded and noisy
  • May not be as comfortable as a hotel or motel

Conclusion

The Ruidoso Fire is a serious and ongoing threat to the community of Ruidoso. It is important to stay informed about the fire's progress, follow evacuation orders, and take steps to protect yourself and your property. By working together, we can overcome this challenge and rebuild our community stronger than ever before.

Additional Resources

• Ruidoso Fire Information Website
• New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Federal Emergency Management Agency

Tables

Table 1: Fire Statistics (as of May 1, 2022)

Table 2: Evacuation Centers

Table 3: Resources for Affected Residents