A mandatory evacuation in the area surrounding New Mexico's Ruidoso Downs was issued Tuesday after the South Fork Fire was reported by government officials at nearly 14,000 acres with zero percent containment. Officials were alerted Monday morning to the fire, which is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, U.S. Forest Service land, and in the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Ruidoso Downs is located within the Village of Ruidoso.
“The racetrack right now is in great shape,” said New Mexico-based trainer Todd Fincher, who has 70 head on the premises. “Huge fire destroying the town, but I left there this morning and everything was very good at the track. Some people have moved their horses and some haven't. I haven't yet, but we are on alert. Hopefully it won't get close to the track or affect the horses.”
Ruidoso's most recent day of live Thoroughbred racing was conducted Sunday with the next card scheduled for this coming Friday. New Mexico Racing Commission Executive Director Izzy Trejo, reached by phone on Tuesday afternoon, said the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday cards, which have already been drawn, are not cancelled and an appraisal of the situation is ongoing.
“The welfare of the horses, the horsemen, and the Village of Ruidoso are in our thoughts and prayers,” said Trejo. “There is just so much uncertainty right now because communication is so difficult with spotty cell service. As of Tuesday afternoon, there is no evacuation of the racetrack in place, but we know that Ruidoso itself is under siege. Some horsemen have elected to move, but we are in a holding pattern right now. We have put in place measures to open New Mexico's other tracks, including Zia Park and Sunland Park. Albuquerque is currently open for training and that is an ideal place which can accommodate 800-1,000 horses. What we do know is rain is forecast for Thursday and that could bring welcome news. We hope that comes to fruition.”
Social media had a number of images showing road access limited in and out of the track with air quality also being a major concern. New Mexico's other tracks range in distance from approximately 150 miles to approximately 200 miles away from Ruidoso.
According to New Mexico Fire Information, the South Fork Fire is a full suppression fire, with air and ground resources utilized from tribal, federal, state, and local agencies. Cell service is limited in the greater area. Tuesday brought an additional concern of increased winds while approximately 500 structures have already been impacted.
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