EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Officials with the U.S. Forest Service gave an update on Tuesday morning on the Three Rivers Fire.
You can view the news conference in the player below or here:
Earlier:
A wildfire quickly grew just outside the Village of Ruidoso on Monday and multiple campgrounds and areas are being evacuated.
A fire broke out on the backside of the White Mountains between Ruidoso and Carrizozo earlier today. New Mexico authorities reported the fire to be 30 acres in the morning.
Since, the fire has grown to 4,000 acres and is fast moving, according to a spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service. Authorities do not expect to stop the fire today. Smoke is highly visible from U.S. 54.
As of late Monday afternoon, none of the fire has been contained. And, no injuries or damage to property has been reported.
“The area is closed ot the public and we are asking people to stay home and away from the area.”
Several areas including the Apache Ski Lift area are being evacuated. Notices have also been sent to residents in the Nogal Canyon, Bonito Canyon, Tanbark, Church, Ranchman’s Camp, Loma Grande, Cora Dutton and Magado areas.
We found something interesting on visible satellite this afternoon, in the forecast area of our friends @NWSElPaso. Strong winds in New Mexico blowing sand at White Sands National Park. Also, smoke from a wildfire to their NE. pic.twitter.com/cpSEyFi49U
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) April 26, 2021
Officials with the National Forest Service say there are nine engines, a hotshot crew, a large air tanker, two air attacks and a helicopter assisting in the effort to put out the fire. More resources are expected to arrive throughout the day.
Officials have setup three evacuation centers within the area. Evacuees are being sent to a Nazarean Church Camp in Alto, Capitan Senior Center in Capitan and Ruidoso Downs Senior Center.
Evacuees with livestock are able to take animals to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.
The fire is being fed by several factors including winds, low humidity and hotter temperatures. Nearby agencies are responding to the fire and are expected to continue fighting it throughout the night.
A spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service says anyone living throughout the region may want to rethink any vacation plans to the area this week.
There are evacuation notices in place. additional areas, nogal and ski apache and bonido canyon. they don’t have reports of injuries or structures at this point.
This story will be updated.
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