Wildfires force evacuation of Ruidoso Downs, surrounding areas

Ruidoso Downs and the surrounding area were evacuated as nearby wildfires were uncontained and growing.

The evacuation order includes Ruidoso Downs Race Track, which is hosting Thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing.

Mary Rampellini of Daily Racing Form said in an X post that all horsemen and horses at the track were safe, and that about 200 horse were evacuated Monday.

The village of Ruidoso reported in a Facebook post Tuesday morning that fires to the south and southwest of the town were South Fork, at 13,921 acres, and Salt Fire, at 4,876 acres. Both were reported as 0 percent contained.

Officials with the village said in a Facebook post that fire behavior was “creeping” and that increasing winds that could push the fires to the east and northeast were a concern.